Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 3rd, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Persistent Slabs, Deep Persistent Slabs and Loose Dry.
PW,
Avalanche Canada
The snowpack has finally cooled off, but our persistent problems have not entirely left us.
Continue to use caution on larger slopes in the alpine and at treeline.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Ski hills are reporting easily triggering small loose dry avalanches, running on the recent crust up to size 1.
No new natural avalanches were observed.
Snowpack Summary
5-10 cm of new snow have greatly improved the ski quality. This snow sits on the recently formed crust, which is 2-5 cm's and has been supportive to travel as tempatures cool. The recently buried crust is widespread, except for north aspects above 2500m where dry snow still exists. The cool temps have improved the stability of the mid-pack, but the persistent problem and deep persistent problem are still with us. The bottom of the snowpack still consists of basal facets.
Weather Summary
Forecast's are calling for another 5-10 cm's overnight. Winds will remain strong through the evening out of the north/east. Winds should taper through the day on Sunday and return to a SW flow. Freezing levels are predicted to stay below valley bottom Sunday as the daytime high in the alpine is -7C. Overnight Sunday into Monday, we should see temperatures continue to cool to -10C.
For more mountain weather click HERE
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid areas where the snow feels stiff and/or slabby.
- Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
- Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the crust.
Problems
Persistent Slabs
While the warm temperatures and rain have reduced the severity of the problem, it has not gone away. Watch for the surface crust breaking down and the likely hood of triggering this layer increasing.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
Especially watch for think to thin areas in the alpine and the upper elevations of treeline, where triggering this problem is still possible.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Dry
New snow will not have bonded well to the crust. Watch for these areas to be sensitive to triggering.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 4th, 2024 4:00PM
