Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 23rd, 2021 8:00AM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs and Loose Dry.
Chris Gooliaff,
Pay attention to overhead avalanche paths!!
80cm in 3 days, strong to extreme winds, and mild temps have created a reactive storm slab.
Numerous avalanches detected overnight indicate the danger level at higher elevations is still high.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Unsettled wx for the next couple of days, followed by a Thurs storm.
Today: Cloudy with sun and isolated flurries, trace amounts, Alp high -12*C, mod W winds
Wed: Cloudy with sun and isolated flurries, trace amounts, Alp high -12*C, mod W winds
Thurs: Snow, 20cm, Alp high -9*C, strong SW winds
Snowpack Summary
80mm of precip in the last 3 days, extreme S'ly winds, and mild temps have created a widespread surface storm slab. Thickness of the new slab will vary from 50-100cm. This sits on the Feb 14 drought interface, which is predominantly a wind crust in exposed areas near the height of the pass, and buried windslabs and facets as you move East and West.
Avalanche Summary
Numerous sz 3 to 4 artillery-controlled avalanches were observed yesterday, and a continuing natural avalanche cycle overnight to sz 3.5 has kept the valleys filled with a rumbling sound. 23 avalanches were registered by remote sensors last night, indicating the mountains are still shedding even with the cooler temps.
Confidence
Problems
Storm Slabs
80+cm of storm snow is being redistributed by mod/strong S'ly winds. This lies on top of the Valentine's Day weak interface of facets, crusts and variable wind effect. Slab properties have developed and are failing on this layer.
- Avoid exposure to avalanche terrain, large avalanches may reach the end of run out zones.
- The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Dry
A bonus 25-30cm of cooler snow fell last night. This will readily sluff in steep terrain and could be a real hazard if it pushes you into a terrain trap, resulting in a deep burial.
- If triggered dry loose point releases can form deeper deposits in terrain traps.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 24th, 2021 8:00AM
