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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 9th, 2020–Feb 10th, 2020
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Glacier.

Moderate winds have switched from northerly to south in some areas of the park.

Be cognizant of fresh windslabs and the effects of reverse loading.

Weather Forecast

Stagnant pattern continues today as an upper ridge anchors itself offshore

Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries today with moderate W winds. Daytime high -10C at treeline.

Cloudy with clear periods tonight. Treeline temps -12C, gusty NW winds to 45km/h.

Monday will be a mix of sun, cloud, and flurries with light S winds. Treeline temps -9C.

Snowpack Summary

Moderate winds switching from north to south overnight have redistributed this week's 35+cm of low density snowfall. A thin suncrust exists down 10cm on steep solar aspects. Below 1800m, a melt-freeze up to 10cm thick is covered by 20-30cm.

Avalanche Summary

Yesterday, numerous loose dry avalanches to size 1.5 were observed from steep features on all aspects. One large (size 2.0) slab avalanche from Cheops 2 was also observed.

On Thursday, a cornice fall triggered a large slab avalanche (size 2.5) on the north face of Cheops.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Loose Dry

This week's low density snow has not yet consolidated, and could run fast and far on slopes where it overlies previous firm surfaces.

  • On steep slopes, pull over periodically or cut into a new line to manage sluffing.
  • Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Wind Slabs

Moderate to strong winds overnight will have formed new wind slabs in immediate lees, and cross-loaded terrain features in the alpine and in open treeline areas.

  • Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
  • Evaluate terrain features by digging and testing on adjacent, safe slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5