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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 28th, 2016–Feb 29th, 2016
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
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
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
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
We are back to a "Classic Rockies" mid winter snowpack with a weak structure that does not inspire confidence and will linger for some time. Choose conservative routes and manage your group carefully to minimize the potential for human triggering.

Weather Forecast

Chance ot flurries on Sunday night, then a bite of a clearing trend on Monday with another chance of flurries on Tuesday night. Cooler temperatures and moderate W winds for the next few days.

Snowpack Summary

Treeline height of snowpack values range from 100 to 170cm. The Feb 11 layer of sun crust and isolated surface hoar is down 20 to 50cm. The Jan 6 layer of faceted crystals is the dominant snowpack feature and is down about 50-70cm. This layer is producing whumpfing, cracking and has been responsible for much of the recent avalanche activity.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches to report.

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Monday

Avalanche Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Generally the snowpack has a weak midsection throughout the BYK region. Both the Feb 11 and Jan 6 layers produce significant shears in tests. Human triggering of large avalanches that could step down to the ground is a real possibility.
Use conservative route selection, choose moderate angled and supported terrain with low consequence.Watch for signs of instability such as whumpfing, or cracking.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3