Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 18th, 2021 4:41PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
Brian Webster,
Winds are forecasted to increase on Friday so expect to see more wind-slab development above tree-line.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Overnight lows still chilly (-15-18) but day time highs at valley bottom rising to -8 through Saturday. Friday will be overcast with only scattered flurries and alpine winds rising to 50 km/h. Sunday will see a change with some models forecasting 20-30 cm of snow and strong SW winds.
Snowpack Summary
Extensive wind effect and isolated, thin wind-slabs throughout the alpine. At tree-line and below the snowpack is well settled except the surface snow which is facetted and sluffs in steep terrain. A facet and sun crust layer buried Jan 27 persists at treeline down 30-40 cm.
Avalanche Summary
Lake Louise SKi Hill reported a skier triggered size 1 wind slab (30 cm deep) out of steep north facing alpine terrain. Otherwise no significant slab avalanche activity reported or observed over the past 5 days. Sluffing of the facetted surface snow continues to happen in very steep areas.
Confidence
Problems
Wind Slabs
Stronger winds on Friday will add to the wind effect in the alpine and create small wind-slabs in lee terrain.
- Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could trigger slabs.
- Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 19th, 2021 4:00PM
