Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 10th, 2019 3:53PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

dsaly, Avalanche Canada

South Coast.

Strong outflow winds have produced stiff wind slabs. Lingering reactive wind slabs are most likely in wind-loaded areas: below ridgelines, under cornices, and around steep, unsupported features.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Tuesday

Weather Forecast

SUNDAY NIGHT: Clear cloudy periods isolated flurries overnight, trace accumulation. Treeline temperatures near -10C. Ridgetop winds light from the northeast.MONDAY: Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries, up to 5 cm accumulation overnight. Treeline temperatures near -5C. Ridgetop winds light from the northeast.TUESDAY: Cloudy with scattered flurries, 5-10 cm accumulation. Treeline temperatures near -7C. Ridgetop winds light to moderate from the northeast.WEDNESDAY: Mostly sunny. Treeline temperatures near -5C. Ridgetop winds light to moderate from the northeast.

Avalanche Summary

Small size 1 wind slabs have been reactive to skier traffic, no recent natural avalanches have been reported.Last Monday, a MIN from Mt. Anif showed substantial wind loading and a reactive wind slab problem at treeline and alpine elevations (see report here).

Snowpack Summary

Heavy wind transport has produced wind press, sastrugi, and scoured most high north-northeasterly aspects. Widespread wind slabs have developed in the alpine and treeline with deeper deposits lower in start zones. Pockets of soft snow may still be found in sheltered areas and more likely on south and west aspects. This wind affected snow sits above an crust, old wind-pressed snow surfaces, or surface hoar in the most sheltered areas. The mid-pack is well-settled and strong.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Shifting winds and strong outflows have formed stiff pockets of wind slab in wind-loaded terrain. The most reactive wind slabs will be found in steep, unsupported terrain and immediate lee features.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.

Aspects: East, South East, South, South West, West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 11th, 2019 2:00PM