Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 9th, 2021 8:00AM

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

Chris Gooliaff,

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Isolated wind slabs are popping out under people in lee features in the Alpine and Tree-line.

Bundle up, carry extra warm layers, and be prepped for cold conditions!

And a BIG thanks to all the MIN users who provide great info for our forecasters!

Summary

Weather Forecast

Cold with no snow.

Today: Sunny, Alp high -20*C, light winds

Wed: Mix of sun/cloud, Alp high -20*C, light winds

Thurs: Sunny, Alp high -27*C, light NE winds

Fri: Sunny, Alp high -22*C, light NE winds

Snowpack Summary

Storm snow from last week was redistributed by strong S'ly, then NW'ly, winds. These wind slabs are beginning to facet and weaken, but are still popping out on unsupported features at higher elevations. The Jan 26 persistent weak layer (surface hoar and/or thin crust) is buried 60-80cm but has not seen activity in the last few days.

Avalanche Summary

Several MIN reports of skier-triggered sz 1.5 slabs from steep, unsupported alpine features (Christmas Couloir, Nikki's Notch, Avalanche Crest). These slabs were triggered in immediate lee areas or just off ridge-crests.

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Pockets of soft slab exist in the alpine and immediate tree-line lee features. They have been stubborn to move, but demand respect in steeper, more committing start zones. Cracking and whumphing under your skis are indicators of the slab.

  • Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Be careful with reverse loaded pockets of wind slab at ridgeline.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs

The Jan 26th layer, down 60-80cm, consists of decomposing surface hoar in sheltered areas and a crust on solar aspects. Reactivity appears to be decreasing on this layer. It is stubborn to human triggers in isolated areas in the alpine and tree-line.

  • Use caution on open slopes and convex rolls at treeline where buried surface hoar may be preserved.
  • Recent snow may be more sensitive to human triggering on solar aspects where it sits on sun crust

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Feb 10th, 2021 8:00AM