Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 14th, 2021 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Loose Dry and Wind Slabs.
Tereza Turecka,
Warmer temperatures will take a while before having any effect on the recently faceted snowpack. Ice climbers, watch for dry loose avalanches as even a small slide could have serious consequences.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Monday: A mix of sun and cloud. Precipitation: Nil. Alpine temperature: High -12 °C. Light ridge wind. Freezing level at valley bottom.
Tuesday: Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries. Precipitation: Trace. Alpine temperature: Low -16 °C, High -13 °C. Ridge wind light to 15 km/h. Freezing level at valley bottom.
Snowpack Summary
The cold weather continues to promote facetting of the upper 40cm. The mid-pack is showing signs of losing strength with the prolonged arctic influence, especially where it is shallow. Widespread wind effect in the alpine and upper tree line.
Avalanche Summary
Road patrol on Feb 13 observed numerous Natural Loose Dry Avalanches up to size 1.5, starting steep terrain, but running the distance in terrain over 30 deg. One size 2 serac triggered wind slab, up to a meter deep, was also directly observed that day. No patrol on Sunday
Confidence
The weather pattern is stable
Problems
Loose Dry
Surface snow continues to lose cohesion and structure making specific areas susceptible to light triggers like direct solar influence, and excitable riders. Sluff awareness and management will be very important in steep and/or confined lines.
- Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could trigger slabs or larger sluffs.
- On steep slopes, pull over periodically or cut into a new line to manage sluffing.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
Recent windslab activity has been noted in high elevation windloaded features. It seems to require a large trigger such as cornice failures to initiate or potentially a shallow location where a skiers weight may be enough.
- Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.
- Travel on ridgetops to avoid wind slabs on slopes below.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 15th, 2021 4:00PM
