Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 9th, 2021 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
Aaron Beardmore,
Extreme cold continues. Leave extra margin for daylight and distance from vehicle. Minor incidents will be amplified exponentially in the current conditions.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Severe cold continues to dominate the forecast region, and its going to get colder, bottoming out on Thurs. Very chilly. The good news is, the wind will remain at the moderate level from the West. Cloud cover on Weds then clearing again on Thurs/Fri.
Snowpack Summary
Previous winds from all directions have redistributed the recent 30-60cm of low density storm snow into wind slab in the alpine and exposed areas at tree line. In sheltered areas the recent storm snow remains loose powder. Buried sun crust and facets on steep south aspects. Treeline snow depths range from 150-220cm.
Avalanche Summary
Avalanche control produced thin slabs (~25cm deep) up to size 2 on Mt. Whymper this afternoon. Additionally, an explosive controlled size 3 cornice was triggered, which was mostly cornice chunks entraining surface snow. Also of note, last week there were three avalanches up to size 1.5 reported on south aspects below treeline.
Confidence
Due to the number of field observations on Tuesday
Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs recently formed from variable winds are still a concern, but are becoming stubborn with the cold temperatures. Local alpine winds may elevate the hazard in areas where loose snow is available for transport.
- Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 10th, 2021 4:00PM
