Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 10th, 2020 4:00PM

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

Parks Canada deryl kelly, Parks Canada

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Southern aspects getting a mix of strong winds and solar punch making conditions challenging.

Looks for sheltered north aspects for good, dry snow.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A re-shuffling of weather systems to remain offshore and so, for the near future should leave us with fairly benign weather conditions to the region over the next couple of days. Alpine wind speeds expected to abate to light values for Tuesday and Wednesday. 

See Weather synopsis here: Avalanche Canada Mountain Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

SW winds have created deep pockets of windslab and pronounced cornice development on North aspects. Mixed slab character, support and sensitivity in the mid-pack is bridging the deeper basal facets and depth hoar. Average HS at treeline: ~160cm.

Avalanche Summary

Previous large avalanches observed on Northerly aspects and triggered by large loads (like cornices).

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Wind slabs are prevalent through the forecast region. Their sensitivity will vary particularly with local loading and wind patterns.

  • Assess start zones carefully and use safe travel techniques.
  • If triggered the storm/wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs

Shallow snowpack zones and/or large triggers such as cornice failures could trigger this deep layer. The consequences would be severe!

  • If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
  • Assess start zones carefully and use safe travel techniques.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

1.5 - 3

Valid until: Feb 11th, 2020 4:00PM