Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 6th, 2020 4:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada mkoppang, Avalanche Canada

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Been a while since we saw a slide on the basal layers but the consequences of a large slide are always in our minds. The region needs 10-15cm for a re-set which may come this weekend. Watch from hard windslabs in alpine terrain.  

Summary

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

Not much for new snow in the forecast for the next few days. Temps will be around -8C with winds out of the SW. Expect a sky consisting of a mix of sun and cloud.  

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed today.

Snowpack Summary

Widespread wind slabs of varying thicknesses in the Alpine and open areas at Treeline. 5 to 10cm of recent snow overlies a thick and supportive rain crust at lower elevations. This crust disappears at 2050m. Look to sheltered areas between 2300 and 2000m for soft snow and good skiing. The wind slabs in the alpine still need some time to heal.  

Terrain and Travel

  • Avoid lee and cross loaded slopes in the alpine.
  • Be careful as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Be aware of the potential for large avalanches due to the presence of a deep persistent slab.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Wind slabs of varying density are everywhere at upper elevations and range in thickness from 10 to 50cm. Human triggering is most likely in steep, convex and/or unsupported terrain.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1.5 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs

This is the bottom 40cm of the snow pack (November crust/facet combo). There is potential for a surface wind slab to step down to this weak layer creating a very large slide.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3.5

Valid until: Feb 7th, 2020 4:00PM

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