Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 21st, 2014 4:00PM
The alpine rating is Persistent Slabs and Wind Slabs.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems includeWe are strongly urging people to be very conservative this weekend with their terrain choices. This is due to the nature of the weak layer currently in the snowpack. SH
Summary
Weather Forecast
Expect flurries with local amounts of 5cm on Saturday. Temperatures will be in the -15 to -20 range over the weekend. Light gusting moderate NW winds for Saturday.
Snowpack Summary
30-70cm of recent storm snow is settling and overrides the Feb10th interface. A poor bond persists at this interface and many avalanches have been observed on this layer over the past week. Recent SW winds have created wind slabs in lee alpine terrain. These wind slabs are easily triggered and often step down to the Feb 10th interface.
Avalanche Summary
The natural avalanche cycle seems to have subsided, but skier triggered avalanches (up to class 2) were reported in the Lake Louise on Thursday, and two skier remotes were reported on the moraine approach to Peyto Glacier on Wednesday. Avalanche control on Mt. Whymper today produced avalanches to sz 2.5, likely failing on the Feb.10th interface.
Confidence
Problems
Persistent Slabs
There is still a poor bond between the storm snow and the Feb.10 layer of facets and surface hoar. This interface is still very susceptible to human triggering.
- Avoid open slopes with any steepness over 30 degrees.
- Avoid unsupported slopes.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs have been forming at higher elevations from SW winds over the last few days.
- Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline. Recent storm snow has formed touchy slabs.
- Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 22nd, 2014 4:00PM