Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 17th, 2016 8:00AM
The alpine rating is Storm Slabs and Wind Slabs.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems includeWarm temp's today/tomorrow will keep the storm slab touchy. Cornices looming overhead should also be of concern.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Cool morning temp's but a rapid warming by noon will see freezing levels rise to 1800m. Otherwise, today will be mainly cloudy with isolated flurries, and light ridge-top winds. A minor front rolls through Wed night, bringing 10-15cm, mod SW winds, and elevated freezing levels around 1700-1800m through much of Thursday.
Snowpack Summary
Rogers Pass received 85cm of snow in the past week. Slab development has been widespread in the area, with mild temp's and strong S-SW winds creating a reactive layer. On solar aspects this slab sits on a crust. The mild temp's will promote bonding of the slab to the underlying surfaces, but this takes time. Below 1600m, expect heavy, moist snow.
Avalanche Summary
The natural avalanche cycle seems to have slowed down. No reports of human-triggered avalanches yesterday. However, 3 from Monday and a serious one involving an injured skier on Sunday underline the fact that the storm slab needs time to bond. Artillery control yesterday produced many slides to size 2.5-3, with a few larger 3.5's.
Confidence
Due to the number of field observations
Problems
Storm Slabs
The storm slab will be a little more touchy once temp's warm up later in the day. It isn't the time to charge into aggressive terrain.
The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.Use conservative route selection, choose moderate angled and supported terrain with low consequence.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
Consistently moderate to strong winds have created windslabs in alpine and tree-line areas.
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Existing tracks in the snow are a poor guide to good route selection.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 18th, 2016 8:00AM