Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 1st, 2021 4:35PM

The alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Loose Wet.

Marcus Waring,

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Rapid loading will dramatically increase the hazard in the next 24h. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended Tuesday. Carefully evaluate how storm snow is bonding to previous surfaces before stepping out into bigger terrain later in the week.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Monday night: 12cm of snow at Cameron lake with rain in the townsite. Freezing level 1600m. SW wind 30km/h gusting 80km

Tuesday:12cm of snow at Cameron Lake with wet snow & rain in the townsite. Freezing level 1500m. SW wind 30km/h gusting 80km

Wed/Thurs: Cloudy with sunny periods & isolated flurries. Trace precipitation. Freezing level valley bottom

Snowpack Summary

10-25 cm of snow is expected at higher elevations tuesday. Rapid loading during tuesdays storm will form storm slabs over top of old wind slab. Previous wind slab sits on a firm crust below 1900m.  We have not found the buried surface hoar that has been causing instability in neighboring regions but this problem may still exist in isolated pockets.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches observed but we expect a natural cycle to occur tuesday/ wednesday. Please post a MIN if you see anything!

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Tuesday

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

New snow will need time to settle. Bonding of new snow will be variable with fluctuating freezing levels.

  • Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

Tuesdays storm is forecasted to arrive with high freezing levels.  Rain at lower elevations will saturate snowpack making wet loose avalanches a concern especially in gully features where terrain traps may increase consequence.

  • Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially in steep confined alpine terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Feb 4th, 2021 4:00PM