Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 8th, 2021 8:00AM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
Chris Gooliaff,
Bring extra layers today. Be prepared to keep yourself and your group warm if trouble arises.
Isolated soft slab at Alpine and Tree-line elevations are stubborn to move, but can still be triggered by a person.
Summary
Weather Forecast
I left the Cdn Rockies to get away from this cold weather...
Today/tonight: A mix of sun and cloud. No precip. Alpine high -22*C. Light NW wind.
Tues: Mix of sun and cloud. Alp high -20*C, light SW winds
Wed: Isolated flurries, Alp high -20*C, light S winds
Thurs: Clear, Alp high -26*C, light E winds
Snowpack Summary
Snow from the Feb 2 storm was redistributed by strong S winds, then switched to NW'ly. Isolated pockets of soft slab can be found at ridge-top lee areas. Cold temps are beginning to lock this layer in. The Jan 26 persistent weak layer is buried 60-80cm and consists of decomposing surface hoar in sheltered areas and a thin crust on solar aspects.
Avalanche Summary
The Lens Gully on Tupper spit out a natural sz 3 avalanche yesterday from extreme terrain. Otherwise, no new avalanches noted in the highway corridor.
A field team in the Fidelity area skied to 2400m and noted minor cracking around skis and some loose sluffing in steep (40*) open trees.
Confidence
Problems
Wind Slabs
Pockets of soft slab exist in the alpine and immediate tree-line lee features. They have been stubborn to move, but demand respect in steeper, more committing start zones.
- Be careful with reverse loaded pockets of wind slab at ridgeline.
- Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
The Jan 26th layer, down 60-80cm, consists of decomposing surface hoar in sheltered areas and a crust on solar aspects. Reactivity appears to be decreasing on this layer. It is stubborn to human triggers in isolated areas in the alpine and tree-line.
- Recent snow may be more sensitive to human triggering on solar aspects where it sits on sun crust
- Use caution on open slopes and convex rolls at treeline where buried surface hoar may be preserved.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 9th, 2021 8:00AM
