Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 5th, 2020 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
ldreier,
Avalanche Canada
At upper elevations the new snow will create fresh wind slabs and be sensitive to human triggers. At mid and lower elevations most of the forecast precipitation will fall in form of rain due to the warm temperatures.
Summary
Confidence
Weather Forecast
Wednesday Night: Flurries, accumulation up to 5 cm, moderate to strong northwest wind, treeline high -1 C, freezing level 1100 m.
Thursday: Mix of rain and snow, accumulation 10-20 cm, moderate to strong westerly wind, treeline high 0 C, freezing level rising to 1500 m.
Friday: Mainly cloudy with flurries starting in the afternoon, accumulation up to 10 cm, light to moderate southwest wind, treeline high 0 C, freezing level 1200 m.
Saturday: Mix of sun and cloud, accumulation 10-15 cm, light northerly wind, treeline high -2 C, freezing level 1000 m.
Avalanche Summary
Numerous small (size 1) slab avalanches were triggered by humans on Tuesday. Several avalanches released on the crust which was buried by the recent new snow.
Snowpack Summary
20-30 cm of new snow sits on a thick rain crust. The snowpack below the crust has likely switched from moist or wet snow to a solid crust with recent cold temperatures. Snowpack depths are suspected to be in the range of 150-250 cm around the peaks of the north shore mountains (1400 m), tapering quickly with elevation to almost nothing below 1000 m.
Terrain and Travel
- Be careful as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Closely monitor how the new snow is bonding to the crust.
- A moist or wet snow surface, pinwheeling and natural avalanches are all indicators of a weakening snowpack.
Problems
Wind Slabs
New snow falling with moderate to strong west and northwest winds will promote wind slab formation in lee terrain features in the alpine and at treeline. In some places slabs may be sitting on a crust which may make for a favorable sliding surface.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 6th, 2020 5:00PM
