Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 3rd, 2016 8:26AM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Persistent Slabs and Wind Slabs.

esharp, Avalanche Canada

Purcells.

There have been a few recent close calls in the north of the region near Golden. Very large human-triggered avalanches have been reported over the past few days. Conservative terrain selection remains critical.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Weather Forecast

THURSDAY: sunny periods with lingering flurries, light south winds, -10C at 1500m. FRIDAY: cloudy with sunny breaks, light to moderate southwest winds, freezing level rising up to 1500m. SATURDAY: Flurries, light southwest winds, freezing level 1300m.

Avalanche Summary

On Tuesday a skier triggered a size 2 wind slab near Panorama but was able to escape without being burried. On Monday, a size 2 wind slab was accidentally triggered by a skier in the backcountry around Golden. Â On Saturday a size 3 sledder-triggered avalanche occurred in the Gorman Creek riding area near Golden. The early January interface is the suspected weak layer. Check-out the great Mountain Information Network report for details. Around the same time, a size 3.5 skier-triggered persistent slab avalanche occurred a few drainages to the south of Gorman Creek on a north-facing alpine slope. Nobody was injured in the event. Destructive persistent slabs are expected to remain reactive to human triggering for the forecast period.

Snowpack Summary

30-60cm of snow has fallen in the last week, and resulting wind slabs continue to be sensitive to light inputs in upper elevation lee terrain. The persistent weak layer of surface hoar and facets buried in early January is now typically down 60-90 cm. The layer is slowly getting harder to human trigger in many areas, however, reports of whumpfing and recent large to very large avalanches around Golden indicate this layer is still very much a concern in the north of the region. In general, the lower snowpack below this layer is well settled and strong.

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Touchy conditions persist, especially in the Dogtooth Range near Golden. A few close calls serve as a warning this layer can surprise with nasty consequences.

Be cautious around open slopes and convex rolls at and below treeline where buried surface hoar may be preserved.>Be aware of the potential for remote triggers and wide propagations due to a layer of buried surface hoar and facets. >

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

3 - 5

Wind Slabs

Recently formed wind slabs are lurking below ridge crests and behind cross-loaded terrain features and may remain sensitive to human triggers. Cornices have also been reported to be large and fragile.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features. >Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow. >Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain. >

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Feb 4th, 2016 2:00PM