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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 9th, 2020–Feb 10th, 2020
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Sea To Sky.

Strong northerly wind redistributed snow and loaded lee terrain features. Expect wind slabs to linger on all aspects as the wind has shifted from south to north over the weekend. Wind slabs might still be sensitive to human triggers. 

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, light to moderate northerly wind, alpine high -8 C, freezing level 1100 m. 

Monday: Mix of sun and cloud, light northerly wind, alpine high -4 C, freezing level 1400 m.

Tuesday: Mostly cloudy, light to moderate westerly wind, alpine high -5 C, freezing level 900 m.

Wednesday: Mix of sun and cloud, light westerly wind, alpine high -5 C, freezing level 1000 m. 

Avalanche Summary

Several small (size 1) and a few large (size 2-3) natural slab avalanches were reported on Saturday. Several small wind slab avalanches were triggered by skiers (see one in this MIN report). Explosive work on cornices resulted in a few large (size 2) avalanches. 

On Friday a few large (size 2) slab avalanches were triggered with explosives, one released naturally. Explosive control on cornices was successful and resulted in large (size 2-2.5) avalanches. Several small (size 1) slab avalanches were triggered by skiers.

On Thursday a few small (size 1) slab and loose dry avalanches were reported. 

Snowpack Summary

Extreme southerly wind during the last storm shifted to strong northerly wind and created wind slabs on all aspects. The snow surface is heavily wind affected at treeline and in the alpine. The recent storm snow sits on a rain crust below 2000 m. It is uncertain how well the snow bonds to the crust. 

Weak faceted grains and crusts near the base of the snowpack have not been an active avalanche problem recently, despite significant new snow loads. They are still on our radar, especially in inland parts of the region.

Terrain and Travel

  • Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
  • Be especially cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Extreme southerly wind during the last storm shifted to strong northerly wind and created wind slabs on all aspects. The snow surface is wind affected at treeline and in the alpine. Wind slabs might still be sensitive to human triggers. The recent storm snow sits on a rain crust below 2000 m and it is uncertain how well the snow bonds to the crust. 

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2