Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 7th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is Persistent Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems includeThe sun had an unexpected punch today producing loose wet avalanches to size 1.5 in the alpine. This demonstrates how quickly conditions can change. Be mindful of un-forecasted sunny conditions where solar radiation can have a large impact.
Summary
Confidence
Low
Avalanche Summary
Sunshine patrol reported that Bourgeau 9 produced a loose wet avalanche size 1.5. Additionally, they were getting explosive results, wind-slabs to size 1.5, in the Delirium Dive. Lake Louise patrol reported seeing loose dry avalanches in the surrounding backcountry to size 1. No avalanches were observed by the field team up 93N.
Snowpack Summary
10-20cm of recent storm snow, becoming moist on solar aspects, sits on a recently formed crust, which is widespread at all elevations, except for north aspects above 2500 m. The cooling temperatures have improved the stability of the mid-pack, but the January persistent facet layers down 20-50 cm, and deep persistent facet and depth hoar layers at the base of the snowpack, are still present at treeline and above.
Weather Summary
Generally, a benign weather pattern will exist for the next couple of days. Light ridge top wind, trace accumulations of snow, and cloudy skies with seasonal temperatures.
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Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.
- Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
- Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the crust.
Problems
Persistent Slabs
The cooling temperatures have reduced the likelihood of the persistent slab problem which is comprised of facets that formed end of December and mid-January. However, these weak layers have not gone away entirely.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
The weak base is still present in areas at tree-line and above. Forecasters have not seen a significant avalanche on this layer for some time, however, it is not outside the realm of possibility.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 8th, 2024 4:00PM