Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 1st, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs, Persistent Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
CG,
Avalanche Canada
Strong SW winds and rising temperatures will elevate danger levels in the Alpine, and potentially Treeline as well if wind values exceed the forecast.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanche activity observed in the hwy corridor Wed.
Several human-triggered sz 1-1.5 avalanches were reported over the weekend on Avalanche Crest, Hermit Slide path, and Swiss Couloir.
A natural cornice failure triggered a size 3 deep persistent slab on the SE slope of Grizzly Peak on Saturday.
Snowpack Summary
25-30cm of low-density storm snow sits atop old wind-affected surfaces in the alpine and treeline.
The early Jan surface hoar is buried 50-80cm and is most prevalent at treeline. The November 17th facet weakness can still be found near the base of the snowpack in many areas.
Weather Summary
Strong SW winds and warming on Thurs/Fri will elevate the danger levels in the short term.
Thurs: mix of sun and cloud, Alp high -6*C, 1100m FZL, mod/strong SW winds
Fri: mainly cloudy, scattered flurries, 5cm, Alp high -5*C, 1400m FZL, moderate/strong gusty SW winds
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Storm slab size and sensitivity to triggering will likely increase through the day.
- Loose avalanches may start small but they can grow and push you into dangerous terrain.
- Fresh snow rests on a problematic persistent slab, don't let good riding lure you into complacency.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Low density storm snow, moderate/strong ridge-top winds, and rising freezing levels will form soft slabs on variable wind-affected surfaces. Sensitivity to triggering will increase as the day progresses.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
This layer has been most reactive around treeline, particularly in areas that have not seen significant skier traffic.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
Recently, a large cornice-triggered natural avalanche stepped down to this basal layer near Grizzly Peak. Watch for steep, thin rocky areas where this layer could be activated.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 2nd, 2023 4:00PM
