Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 7th, 2024 3:30PM

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

Avalanche Canada JMackenzie, Avalanche Canada

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Travel conditions at lower elevations are generally poor due to a very shallow snowpack. Conditions improve above 2100m where the crust is supportive to skiers. Some acceptable skiing is found at higher elevations, but it is challenging to get to and from that zone!

Summary

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new today.

Snowpack Summary

Some moist surface snow was observed this afternoon at lower elevations. The recent storm snow is settling and now averages 5 to 15cm over the Feb 3 crust. This crust is supportive to skiers above 2100m and extends at least as high as 2500m. The bond at the storm snow - crust interface is mainly good, except on steep northerly aspects in the alpine. Very isolated wind slab development has been observed in the alpine in wind prone areas.

Weather Summary

Thursday should bring a mix of sun and cloud with a slight chance of flurries. Snowfall accumulations will only amount to 2-3cm with light westerly winds and temperatures near -5C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Wind slabs may be poorly bonded to the underlying crust.
  • Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.
  • Be carefull with sluffing in steep terrain, especially above cliffs and terrain traps.
  • In areas where deep persistent slabs may exist, avoid shallow or variable depth snowpacks and unsupported terrain features.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Very isolated wind slab formation has been found in Alpine terrain. This slab overlies the Feb 3 crust and could be more problematic on northerly aspects.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs

This will still be an issue in areas that escaped the heat, as there is no previous crust to hold the snowpack together.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs

This layer is shielded by 2 crusts, but is still triggerable from thin to thick transitions. Very much a low probability, high consequence situation.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Feb 8th, 2024 4:00PM

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