Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 20th, 2020–Feb 21st, 2020

Alpine

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

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

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Sea To Sky.

Friday will be another great day to soak in some sun before the next storm arrives in the evening. As you travel, observe for isolated pockets of wind slab in steep alpine terrain and weakening cornices during the daytime heat.

Confidence

High - Confidence is due to a stable weather pattern with little change expected.

Weather Forecast

THURSDAY NIGHT: Clear skies, light to moderate southwest wind, alpine temperature -5 C, freezing level 1300 m.

FRIDAY: Clear skies with afternoon cloud, moderate southwest wind, alpine temperature -5 C, freezing level 1200 m.

SATURDAY: Cloudy with snowfall and late afternoon clearing, accumulation 10 to 15 cm, moderate southwest wind, alpine temperature -6 C, freezing level 1000 m.

SUNDAY: Cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 10 cm, moderate to strong southwest wind, alpine temperature -8 C, freezing level 800 m.

Avalanche Summary

A few small loose wet avalanches were observed from steep rocks on Wednesday. Otherwise, no new avalanches were observed.

Snowpack Summary

Clear skies have formed a melt-freeze crust on sun-exposed aspects, which will moisten during daytime heating. Soft snow can be found on shaded aspects, which overlies hard surfaces and potentially surface hoar in sheltered terrain around treeline. Isolated wind slabs may still linger in steep, lee terrain features in the alpine. The clear skies are allowing for surface hoar to grow, which may become problematic after the next large snowfall.

The midpack is well-settled. Faceted snow and crusts exist near the base of the snowpack in much of the region. This layer is largely dormant at the moment but appears to be most likely a problem on the eastern side of the region, in alpine terrain, and where there is relatively smooth ground (e.g., glaciers, scree slopes, rock slabs).

Terrain and Travel

Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet
Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.