Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 7th, 2024 3:30PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs, Persistent Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
JMackenzie,
Avalanche Canada
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
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
Expected Size
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
Expected Size
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
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 8th, 2024 4:00PM
