Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 10th, 2020 5:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
ghelgeson,
Avalanche Canada
Natural avalanche activity has ceased, but human triggered slab avalanches remain possible, especially on features immediately lee of ridge crest. If you are increasing your exposure to avalanche terrain, do it gradually as you gather information.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Confidence is due to a stable weather pattern; little change is expected for several days.
Weather Forecast
Aside from a few bouts of potentially strong wind, we continue to be in a rather benign weather pattern which is expected to be with us for the foreseeable future.
MONDAY NIGHT: Freezing level at valley bottom, moderate west/southwest wind, no significant precipitation expected.
TUESDAY: Overcast, freezing level rising to around 1500 m in the afternoon, moderate to strong west/southwest wind, 2 to 8 cm of snow possible.
WEDNESDAY: Scattered cloud cover, freezing level near valley bottom, light variable wind, trace of precipitation possible.
THURSDAY: Scattered cloud cover, freezing level rising to around 1500 m in the afternoon, moderate southwest wind, trace of precipitation possible.
Avalanche Summary
On Sunday no new natural avalanches were reported but smaller wind slab avalanches to size 1.5 were human triggered on northeast facing features around 1900 m with an average depth of 25 cm.
On Saturday storm slab avalanches to size 2 were widespread. They ran naturally and were intentionally triggered by avalanche control work on all aspects. Â
Fragile cornices and one large cornice fall have been reported over the past 10 days.
Snowpack Summary
The weekend storm produced 15 to 25 cm of warm storm snow. This snow has been formed into slabs in wind exposed terrain by previously strong winds that were largely out of the northeast. This snow rests on previously wind affected snow and a thick rain crust that exists up to roughly 2100 m. In many areas this capping crust extends to mountaintops. Sheltered areas now have 15-30 cm of snow above the crust. The bottom 20 cm of the snowpack consists of basal facets and decomposing crusts that have not been an active avalanche problem since December, but could reemerge as a problem after sustained warming.
Terrain and Travel
- Expect slab conditions to change drastically as you move into wind exposed terrain.
- Caution around slopes that are exposed to cornices overhead.
- Watch for fresh storm slabs building throughout the day.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs have formed above a widespread crust, Natural activity has slowed down, but human triggering remains possible. Potentially deep wind slabs can likely be found near ridge crest. A bit of new snow and wind could add to this problem through the day Tuesday.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 11th, 2020 5:00PM
