Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 14th, 2020 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
Darren Vonk,
Parks Canada
Backcountry ski terrain will be opening up in the Tonquin and around Marmot this Sunday. These areas have been untraveled and minimal snowpack information is available. Start conservatively until you gain confidence in the snowpack.
Summary
Weather Forecast
There will be a cooling trend for the next 3 days with minimal snow expected. Monday, down to -18 and warming up again early next week. Winds will be light from the West gusting to 45km/h. The freezing level will stay at valley bottom.
Find the Alberta Rockies weather synopsis here: Avalanche Canada Mountain Weather Forecast
Snowpack Summary
Continued SW winds continue building variable strength windslab and pronounced cornice development on Northerly aspects and cross loaded features treeline and above. A supportive mid-pack is bridging the deeper basal facets and depth hoar in some locations.
Average HS at treeline: ~180cm.
Avalanche Summary
An avalanche cycle to sz 3 on North aspects in the NE part of our Park was seen on a flight today.
Confidence
Problems
Wind Slabs
Continued Moderate SW winds are keeping the wind slabs touchy in lee features. Sensitivity will vary 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
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
Shallow snowpack areas 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.
- Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 15th, 2020 4:00PM
