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Avalanche Forecast

Feb 9th, 2024–Feb 10th, 2024
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

In the alpine there remains potential for human triggering of buried weak layers and small wind slabs.

Confidence

High

Avalanche Summary

On Wednesday, two skier accidental, size 2, wind slab avalanches were reported on northerly aspects in the alpine. They occurred in steep wind-loaded terrain and released above the crust. See MIN's here and here for details and photos.

On Monday, a MIN from a neighboring region reported a group bootpacking a couloir that triggered size 3 avalanche on a south-facing slope at 2600 m. This is evidence that where the crust isn't present the persistent problem remains a concern.

Snowpack Summary

Anywhere from 15 to 35 cm of dry snow sits atop a widespread, hard crust. In general, the crust is strong and thick enough to be supportive to travel on up to 2400 m where it tapers out.

In the mid and lower snowpack, various weak layers persist in areas, however, triggering any of these layers is unlikely where they are capped by the supportive crust above.

Weather Summary

Friday Night

Mainly clear skies, 10 to 25 km/h northwest alpine winds, treeline temperature -9 °C.

Saturday

A mix of sun and cloud, 20 to 40 km/h northwest alpine winds, treeline temperature -5 °C.

Sunday

Cloudy with 5 to 10 cm of snow, 20 to 50 km/h west alpine winds, treeline temperature - 5 °C.

Monday

Cloudy with 5 to 10cm of snow, 20 to 50 km/h northwest alpine winds, treeline temperature -4 °C.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be carefull around freshly wind loaded features.
  • Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
  • Avalanche hazard may have improved, but be mindful that deep instabilities are still present.

Avalanche Problems

Persistent Slabs

A supportive crust exists on all aspects to 2400 m however at higher elevations weak layers deep in the snowpack could still be human-triggered.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely

Expected Size: 2 - 3.5

Wind Slabs

Where localized winds have redistributed new snow, cohesive slabs are forming. Small wind slabs have been reactive to skier traffic in steep terrain on a variety of aspects.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 1.5

Loose Dry

Minimize overhead hazard when solar input is strong. Be mindful of sluffing in steep terrain, especially above cliffs or terrain traps.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2