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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 8th, 2025–Feb 9th, 2025
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
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: Dogtooth, East Purcell, Esplanade, Purcells.

Look for areas where the surface snow is soft and avoid areas where the surface snow feels dense or "slabby".

Heavy triggers, like icefall or a cornice could produce large natural avalanches.

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

  • Friday: A small natural wind slab was was reported on a northeast aspect in the alpine and a large natural (size 2.5 was reported) starting as icefall on a northwest aspect in the alpine.

  • Thursday: A few small wind slab avalanches on north and east aspects were triggered natural and by riders.

  • Wednesday: Just beyond the region boundary to the east, a size 2.5 remote triggered avalanche was observed. see the report here.

Snowpack Summary

25-45 cm of soft surface snow is faceting in sheltered terrain at treeline and below. This covers a layer of surface hoar buried in late January that may be as large as 15 mm in some places. The surface hoar sits on loose, faceted snow in shaded terrain, and a crust on steep slopes facing the sun.

In the alpine, exposed terrain is generally wind-affected, and there is likely no surface hoar included in the late January layer, just facets, old wind-affected surfaces, or a sun crust.

A weak layer of facets from early December is 60 to 120 cm deep.

The base of the snowpack consists of a thick crust with facets or depth hoar in many areas.

Weather Summary

Saturday Night

Partly cloudy with flurries. 10 to 30 km/h west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -19 °C.

Sunday

Mostly sunny. 10 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C.

Monday

Mostly sunny. 10 to 20 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -19 °C.

Tuesday

Mostly sunny. 10 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -16 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be aware of the potential for remote triggering and large avalanches due to buried surface hoar.
  • Keep in mind that human triggering may persist as natural avalanches taper off.
  • Be especially cautious as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
  • Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where even small avalanches may have severe consequences.

Avalanche Problems

Persistent Slabs

A weak layer of surface hoar and facets or a crust is 25 to 45 cm deep. This layer may be reactive to human-triggering where a slab has developed above it. Watch for signs of instability.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5

Wind Slabs

The wind has calmed down for now, but cold temperatures may be keeping previously formed wind slabs from bonding to the loose, dry snow below.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2