Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 3rd, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
dnylen,
Avalanche Canada
Continued snowfall and warm temperatures will keep hazard elevated into the weekend. Wind loaded or steep terrain can produce large avalanches at all elevations.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Some large avalanches have been reported but there has been limited observations submitted given the visibility.
Large avalanches on more deeply buried persistent weak layers are continuing to be reported.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 50 cm of new snow overlays various wind-affected surfaces in alpine terrain and a widespread, supportive, melt-freeze crusts 1800 m and below. Much of this new snow is being blown into thick wind slab by southwest winds.
The new snow is not bonding well to this crust.
The mid and lower snowpack continues to bond and stabilize while a number of buried weak layers remain a concern and have produced a few large avalanches recently.
Weather Summary
Friday nightCloudy. 2-5 cm of new snow. Wind from the south at 30 km/h. Freezing level 1000m, -5 at 2000m.
Saturday
Cloudy. 5-10 cm of new snow with rain possible to 800m. Wind from the southwest at 60 km/h up to 70 km/h in the alpine . Freezing levels to 1000 m
SundayScattered clouds. Possible flurries. Wind from the west and north at 30-40 km/h. Temperature -2 °C
MondayCloudy. 15-20 cm of new snow with rain at valley bottom. Wind from the southwest at 30-50 km/h. Freezing level 900m
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.
- Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
- Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the crust.
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
Problems
Storm Slabs
As the storm continues through the week and temperatures rise, the storm slab will thicken. Southwesterly 30 - 50 km/h winds will create new thicker slabs in lee features, that will be most reactive to triggering as they are being formed over the next few days.
The slab will take time to bond to the layers below it.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
A more deeply buried weak layer still presents a Low Probability/High Consequence situation. New snow and wind will stress test this weakness in the snowpack. This layer would be most easily triggered in places where the snowpack is shallow and rocky.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 4th, 2023 4:00PM
