Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 6th, 2020 8:08AM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs, Loose Dry and Cornices.
ross campbell,
Parks Canada
Human triggered avalanches are possible today, even likely in very steep unsupported terrain features!
Summary
Weather Forecast
Mainly cloudy today, no precipitation, moderate winds from the West, and the freezing level should stay below Valley Bottom. Flurries tonight, and light snow tomorrow with accumulations up to 10cm.
Snowpack Summary
Continued mod to strong winds have been producing soft slabs on immediate lees, and cross-loaded terrain features in the alp and exposed areas of TL. We have received 30cm+ of low-density new snow at treeline and above since the atmospheric river event last weekend. Expect dust on crust at lower elevations, and rugged travel.
Avalanche Summary
Yesterday in the Highway Corridor we observed 8 avalanches on very steep Nth facing terrain. One MIN from Grizzly Glades noted multiple loose dry avalanches to size 1. Tuesday's Helicopter control on Ross Peak Slide Path produced limited results to size 2.5, one slab failed at glacier ice for the second time this Winter.
Confidence
Problems
Storm Slabs
Incremental loading of new low-density snow and moderate to strong wind has formed storm slabs on immediate lees, and cross-loaded terrain features at all elevations.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Dry
We now have enough low-density new snow for a loose dry avalanche problem. Practise your "sluff" management today, and be cognisant of terrain traps below you, or other parties above you.
- Avoid terrain traps, such as gullies, where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
Cornices have grown significantly thanks to our Atmospheric River last weekend. The number of Cornice failures has declined in the last 48 hours but, they are still susceptible to failure and have the potential to trigger large avalanches.
- Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices; which could trigger large avalanches.
- Minimize exposure to corniced features.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 7th, 2020 8:00AM
