Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 7th, 2020 5:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
ghelgeson,
Avalanche Canada
Conditions should improve with clear cool weather in the forecast, but remain cautious on slopes that are wind loaded or getting hit by the sun.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the timing or intensity of solar radiation and its effect on the snowpack.
Weather Forecast
We’re moving into a rather benign weather window for the next few days. The highlights are clear skies on Saturday, and potentially strong wind on Monday. The longer term models show a chance for a bigger storm event Monday night, stay tuned for details.
FRIDAY NIGHT: Freezing level at valley bottom, light northeast wind at most elevations, no significant precipitation expected.
SATURDAY: Clear skies, freezing level at valley bottom, moderate northwest wind, no significant precipitation expected.
SUNDAY: Broken cloud cover, freezing level around 500 m, moderate northwest wind, no significant precipitation expected.
MONDAY: Broken cloud cover, freezing level around 800 m, moderate to strong west/northwest wind, no significant precipitation expected.
Avalanche Summary
On Thursday loose dry avalanches were reported from steep south aspects to size 2.5. Wind slabs up to size 2.5 were reported from steep alpine and treeline features as well.
Stormy weather on Tuesday and Wednesday resulted in a natural cycle of size 2 storm slab avalanches, especially on north and east facing slopes that were wind loaded. Some smaller (size 1) slabs were also triggered by riders in similar terrain.Â
Glide cracks have reportedly been opening and releasing glide slab avalanches. Avoid slopes with glide cracks, as they are unpredictable.
Snowpack Summary
Open terrain has been heavily affected by strong wind from the west, but shifting winds could form slabs on a range of aspects. 30 cm of recent snow is rapidly settling and gaining strength. A thin layer of facets that formed during the January cold snap is now 100-150 cm below the surface and an early season crust exists at the base of the snowpack. These layers produced a few large naturally triggered avalanches last week, but are unreactive under the current conditions.
Terrain and Travel
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
- Minimize exposure to sun-exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent storm snow is gaining strength, but may remain reactive on steep wind loaded and sun-exposed slopes.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 8th, 2020 5:00PM
