Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 1st, 2021 8:00AM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Loose Dry.

Chris Gooliaff,

Glacier.

Danger levels will continue to rise with continuing snowfall today. Forecasted gusty winds may bump the danger level even higher.

Cracking and whumphing around you is Mother Nature's warning to stick to low-angled, supported slopes.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snow and warm for the next 24hrs, then flurries with general cooling.

Today: Snow, 15cm, FZL 1800m, light gusting strong S winds

Tonight: Snow, 15cm, FZL 1400m, light gusting strong S winds

Tues: Flurries, 5cm, FZL 1300m, mainly light ridge winds

Wed: Isolated flurries, FZL 700m, light/mod W winds

Thurs: Flurries, 10cm, FZL 500m, light/mod SW winds

Snowpack Summary

A heavy, 20cm storm slab sits atop the previous drought layer (surface facets, surface hoar, wind affect, and sun crust). In wind-affected areas, expect reactive storm slabs. Pay close attention to cracking/whumphing around your skis and in lee areas. The snowpack below is mostly well bonded, with critical layers from earlier this winter dormant.

Avalanche Summary

Field teams were able to easily ski cut sz 1 dry/loose avalanches in steep, lee tree-line terrain yesterday. Multiple reports of cracking in the new storm slab was reported in the MIN's.

And, to be expected, a small natural avalanche cycle began last night in the highway corridor (Tupper and Macdonald) with avalanches to sz 2.5.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Problems

Storm Slabs

Snowfall, wind, and warm temps are a perfect recipe for storm slab development. These storm slabs will be touchy where the winds have been stronger.

Watch for cracking/whumphing around your skis/board today!

Use caution in lee areas. Wind loading could create slabs.
Use safe ski cutting techniques to enter your line.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Loose Dry

Expect loose dry avalanches in steep terrain. Manage your descent accordingly. The underlying facets will allow for a greater snow mass to accumulate and flow fast and far.

Ski short pitches and regroup in safe spots.
Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 2nd, 2021 8:00AM