Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 12th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Deep Persistent Slabs and Wind Slabs.
lcrawley,
Avalanche Canada
Tracks on a slope do not mean it is safe.
This is a low-probability, high-consequence snowpack that's best managed by riding conservative terrain.
Summary
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were reported at the time of publishing on Monday.
A large avalanche near Golden from Jan 29th reported in this MIN and pictured in this MIN, is a perfect example of the sporadic, deep persistent avalanche activity that continues to occur as recently as Saturday. Steep, rocky, treeline and alpine terrain where the crust is not supportive are likely trigger spots.
Snowpack Summary
New snow has buried various layers of soft snow, wind-affected, and sun crusts. Further burying a crust now down 15 to 20 cm. This crust is generally supportive but tapers in the alpine and may be unsupportive to riders.
The midpack is generally faceted and the lower snowpack contains weak faceted grains, depth hoar, and crusts that continue to produce sporadic large avalanches.
Weather Summary
Monday Night
A mix of sun and cloud with 0 to 5 cm of snow. 10 to 20 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.
Tuesday
A mix of sun and cloud. 10 to 20 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -10 °C.
Wednesday
Mostly sunny. 0 to 15 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.
Thursday
Clear skies. 0 to 15 km/h east ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be mindful that deep instabilities are still present and have produced recent large avalanches.
- Be aware of the potential for surprisingly large avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.
Problems
Deep Persistent Slabs
A weak layer near the base of the snowpack is a concern where a crust buried 10 to 20 cm is not supportive. Generally at higher elevations in the alpine and steep, rocky, open features at treeline is where triggering this layer is possible.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
Avoid wind loaded areas where slabs may fail on a crust.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 13th, 2024 4:00PM
