Wind Slabs
N
NE
E
SE
S
SW
W
NW
- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1–2
Moderate to strong SW winds in the alpine and higher RH values are likely creating wind slabs.
Avalanche forecast
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Feb 17 – 18, 2021
Archived · expired 6 years ago
Avalanche danger
Thu
Fri
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
Highlights
The Tonquin Area is officially open for winter travel. Use caution as this is typically more shallow and therefore a weaker snowpack.
Avalanche problems
Loose Dry
NNEESESSWWNW- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Possible
- Size
- 1–1.5
The likelihood of triggering increases with warming temperatures and solar input. Isolated, sheltered features that have not been impacted by winds are susceptible to sluffing and loose dry avalanches. Ice climbers be aware of these features.
Deep Persistent Slabs
NNEESESSWWNW- Alpine
- Treeline
- Below treeline
- Likelihood
- Unlikely
- Size
- 1.5–3
Caution in thin snowpack areas where triggering is more likely. This is a low probability but high consequence problem.
Weather Forecast
Wednesday: A mix of sun and cloud. Alpine temperature: High -13 C. Ridge wind NW: 10 km/h.
Thursday: A mix of sun and cloud. Alpine temperature: Low -16 C, High -12 C. Ridge wind southwest: 10 km/h.
Friday: A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. Precipitation: Trace. Alpine temperature: Low -16 C, High -10 C. Ridge wind SW: 15-35 km/h.
Snowpack Summary
Moderate to strong SW winds and higher humidity are likely creating wind slabs in the alpine on lee features. The upper snowpack has facetted from the recent cold temperatures and overlies a supportive mid-pack, except in shallow areas where the entire snowpack is weak and facetted.
Avalanche Summary
On Sunday one sz 3 avalanche (wind slab) observed from extreme, alpine, north aspect terrain. No other avalanches observed.
Confidence
Due to the number and quality of field observations