Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 6th, 2019–Feb 7th, 2019

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Sea To Sky.

Wind slabs have formed on a variety of aspects due to shifting winds. Natural avalanche activity has tapered off but human triggered avalanches remain possible.

Confidence

High - The weather pattern is stable on Thursday

Weather Forecast

Increasing cloud cover and light snowfall amounts are forecast with the incoming weather system. The weekend will remain cold.THURSDAY: Cloudy with isolated flurries. Alpine temperatures near -7 with light ridgetop winds from the northwest.FRIDAY: Cloudy with snow amounts 5-10 cm. Alpine temperatures near -10 and ridgetop winds moderate from the northeast.SATURDAY: A mix of sun and cloud. Alpine temperatures near -20 and ridgetop winds moderate from the northeast.

Avalanche Summary

On Tuesday, a few skier triggered wind slabs and one natural wind slab up to size 2 were reported. These were mostly triggered from North through East aspects from 1600-2200 m. Natural avalanche activity has tapered off but wind slabs are still reactive to light loads like a person.

Snowpack Summary

Alpine terrain is heavily wind affected to varying degrees on all aspects. The 40-50 cm of new snow from last weekend has been redistributed initially by strong southwesterly winds and now northerly outflow winds. This sits on a crust on all aspects except north and possibly a mixture of weak feathery surface hoar or sugary facets in isolated sheltered terrain at treeline and below. The remainder of the snowpack is generally well-settled.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Shifting winds has formed stiff wind slabs on a variety of aspects.

Watch for signs of instability such as whumpfing, or cracking. Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2