Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 22nd, 2023–Feb 23rd, 2023

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

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

Regions: Glacier.

Sheltered terrain will provide the best skiing, and reduce exposure to brisk Northerly winds.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Isolated natural avalanche observed on Wednesday along the highway corridor.

A natural cycle Tues AM, with the dramatic change in wind direction, saw numerous avalanches to sz 2-3, with isolated sz 4, especially from S'ly aspects. This came after 2 consecutive days of artillery control, which produced good results to sz 4.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 80cm of recent storm snow is being reworked by NE winds. These winds will reverse load terrain at treeline and in the alpine.

Several thin crusts are buried below the storm snow on steep solar aspects.

The deep persistent weakness at the base of the snowpack reacted to the large load delivered by last weekends storm, producing avalanches up to size 4. This layer will take a large trigger to trigger.

Weather Summary

Cold, dry air persists over the region till the weekend. Expect temperatures to be 10-20 deg below normal + wind!

Tonight: Cloudy w/ clear periods, Alp Low -30*C, Mod E winds

Thurs: Sunny w/ cloudy periods, Alp High -24*C, Light E winds

Fri: Sunny w/ cloudy periods, Alp High -23*C, Light SW winds

Terrain and Travel Advice

Avoid freshly wind loaded terrain features.
Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
Back off if you encounter whumpfing, hollow sounds, or shooting cracks.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Gusty North and East winds are continuing to reverse-load slopes in exposed terrain. These fresh wind slabs will slowly gain strength in cold temperatures. Watch for cracking in the snowpack and deeper slabs in wind loaded areas. These slabs might be more reactive where they overly a sun crust.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5