Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 15th, 2017 4:05PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
Lisa Paulson,
Avalanche Canada
Tricky conditions - skier triggered size 2.5 today and many large avalanches over the past 4 days. Give avalanche terrain that has not had a large avalanche a wide berth.
Summary
Weather Forecast
The temperatures will drop through the day on Thursday and will be accompanied by some more new snow (5 cm probably thursday night).
Snowpack Summary
45 cm of settled snow has formed a cohesive slab overlying a series of weak layers. Test results indicate "sudden" shear failures on these layers, which indicates that they are primed for triggering. Recent strong winds and warm temperatures have tipped the balance, and most slopes that have not avalanche should be considered highly suspect.
Avalanche Summary
Skier triggered a size 2.5 avalanche on West aspect, in Lipalian 2 outside Lake Louise ski area. Numerous large deep avalanches over the past 4 days. Avalanche control on Tuesday produced an impressive size 3 avalanche on Vermillion Peak.
Confidence
Problems
Wind Slabs
Strong to extreme winds from the SW have created wind slabs and fragile cornices that are ripe for triggering. Give avalanche terrain a wide berth and remember that fracture lines may extend further that you expect with hard slabs in alpine areas.
- If triggered the storm/wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
- Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could easily trigger persistent slabs.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
The recent snow has created a touchy slab over the weak facets at all elevations. Avalanches that have run full path have been observed in many areas.
- Use conservative route selection, choose moderate angled and supported terrain with low consequence.
- Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain, large avalanches may reach the end of run out zones.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 16th, 2017 4:00PM
