Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 1st, 2017 4:02PM

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

Avalanche Canada mbender, Avalanche Canada

The best and safest riding may be in sheltered terrain around tree line

Summary

Confidence

Moderate - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Saturday

Weather Forecast

Thursday: Mix of sun and cloud / Light south wind / Alpine temperature -12Friday: Cloudy with sunny breaks and isolated flurries / Light southwest wind / Alpine temperature -5Saturday: Flurries, accumulation 5-10cm / Light to moderate southwest wind / Alpine temperatures of about -3More details can be found on the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Avalanche Summary

Recent avalanche activity in the region has been reported as natural and skier triggered wind slabs up to size 2 in the alpine and at tree line.

Snowpack Summary

In general, snow surfaces are best described as heavily wind affected with scouring and sastrugi formation noted on many terrain features. Crusts can be found near the surface on solar aspects at high elevations and on all aspects below 1600m. There have been isolated reports of a surface hoar layer from early January buried about 40 cm deep in sheltered areas, although not much is known about its current reactivity. About 70cm below the surface, you'll find sugary facet crystals which formed during December's cold snap. Although avalanches are currently unexpected at this interface, this layer could come back to life with with warming, significant loading or a large trigger at a thin spot.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Recent avalanche observations suggest wind slabs are still reactive to the weight of a person.
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 2nd, 2017 2:00PM

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