Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 15th, 2020 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
Tim Haggarty,
Parks Canada
Continued inputs of snow and wind over the last few days have built wind slabs and further developed cornices.
Summary
Weather Forecast
The west winds will diminish Sunday to moderate values in the alpine and should stay in that range over the next few days. Light flurries will also continue with alpine temps trending a bit down to -20 values until some expected warming and clearing on Tuesday.
Snowpack Summary
Up to 35cm of snow over the last few days has been redistributed by moderate to strong west winds TL and above. This sits over top of a well settled mid-pack. In much of this deeper snowpack region, the lower snow-pack is well settled and displays no significant shears. Shallower snowpack areas will likely have more pronounced basal facets.
Avalanche Summary
The ski-hills worked with a fresh round of wind slabs again today (the same for almost a week straight): small soft slabs up to 40 deep with a few natural cornice falls triggering small slabs. Sunshine Village staff triggered a sz 3, to ground, on the south side of Lookout Mountain: "The Megaldon", with explosives.
Confidence
Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind effect and slab development can be anticipated as you climb above the trees. Extensive wind effect with hard slab development can be expected in the alpine.
- Use caution on steep lee and cross-loaded slopes
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
The mid and lower snowpack is generally strong in this region. Concern still exists for shallower areas especially in the alpine where basal facets may exist. We have limited alpine observations to know if this is a problem or not.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 16th, 2020 4:00PM
