Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 9th, 2015 6:11PM

The alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Loose Wet.

Avalanche Canada brian webster, Avalanche Canada

Avalanche control will take place on Mt. Dennis, Mt Field, and Mt. Hector on Tuesday. Please no skiing or climbing in these areas.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Isolated flurries with freezing levels rising to 1800m on Tuesday. Little in the way of precipitation through the end of the week.

Snowpack Summary

60-90 cm of recent storm overlies a crust from January 30th. The recent heavy precipitation, wind and warmer temperatures have created storm slabs which will put an enormous amount of stress on the January 30th crust interface. Isothermal conditions exist at treeline and below.

Avalanche Summary

Avalanche control over the past three days have produced numerous slab avalanches up to size 3. Many of the avalanches started dry and turned wet at lower elevations. Also there was evidence of a widespread cycle up to size 3.5 throughout the forecast region. Some avalanches running close to full path.

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

50 to 90 cm of storm snow lays over the Jan 30 crust interface. A weak bond exists on this interface and storm snow avalanches are possible.

  • Be aware of the potential for wide propagations.
  • Minimize overhead exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

The snowpack is very weak at treeline and below elevations due to warm temperatures and isothermal snow conditions.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Feb 10th, 2015 4:00PM