Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 10th, 2016 4:20PM
The alpine rating is Persistent Slabs and Loose Wet.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems includeNatural and human triggered avalanches continue as a result of warm temperatures and a weak snowpack. Cascade Waterfall ran full path today; ice climbers choose routes carefully and avoid exposure to avalanche paths until it cools, or they have run.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Another clear day ahead, with slightly cooler temperatures in alpine areas (-5ish) and light winds. The freezing level will rise to 1700m again on Thursday afternoon, and combined with any direct sunshine this will be bad for the snowpack. The pattern changes again for Friday when we can expect cooling temperatures and 5-10 cm of new snow.
Snowpack Summary
A 50-100 cm slab now overlies the January 6 weak layer of surface hoar, facets and sun crust and snowpack tests indicate an unstable bond between the two. Below this the snowpack is facetted and quite weak. Warm temperatures over the past 48 hours has triggered an avalanche cycle and left the surface snow effected by sun, temperature & wind crusts.
Avalanche Summary
The avalanche cycle triggered by warm temperatures continued today with a near burial on Twin Cairns near Sunshine Village, and Cascade Waterfall ran full path in the afternoon. Large avalanches have been observed, such as this size 3 slab above the Sunshine Village road triggered by explosives on Tuesday.
Confidence
Problems
Persistent Slabs
Large avalanches are occurring daily right now. Best to avoid most avalanche start zones unless there is evidence of previous avalanches having occurred. Conditions are dangerous so be careful in your route selection.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
With freezing levels rising to 1700m tomorrow the possibility of loose wet avalanches still exists. These will occur on steep south facing rocky terrain.
- Avoid ice climbs exposed to steep rocky terrain on solar aspects during the middle of the day.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 11th, 2016 4:00PM