Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 10th, 2015 6:16PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs, Loose Wet and Deep Persistent Slabs.
ian jackson,
Avalanche Canada
More explosive avalanche control results in the Emerald lake area today triggered large destructive avalanches with every shot. Conditions will not improve until we get some cooler temperatures. Conservative terrain choices are essential!
Summary
Weather Forecast
The warm weather continues. Freezing levels will be rising to ~1900m during the days with light freezes overnight. Little precipitation in the forecast period with partially cloudy skies. Winds have been light but will be picking up to moderate from the West starting on Wednesday.
Snowpack Summary
60-90 cm of recent storm overlies a crust from January 30th. The recent heavy precipitation, wind and warmer temperatures have created storm slabs which will put an enormous amount of stress on the January 30th crust interface. Isothermal conditions exist at treeline and below.
Avalanche Summary
Avalanche control over the past three days have produced numerous slab avalanches up to size 3. Many of the avalanches started dry and turned wet at lower elevations. Also there was evidence of a widespread cycle up to size 3.5 throughout the forecast region. Some avalanches running close to full path.
Confidence
Problems
Storm Slabs
50 to 90 cm of storm snow lays over the Jan 30 crust interface. A weak bond exists on this interface and storm snow avalanches are possible.
- Minimize overhead exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind.
- Be aware of the potential for wide propagations.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
The snowpack is very weak at treeline and below elevations due to warm temperatures and isothermal snow conditions.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
Most avalanches triggered on the upper layers are stepping down to the basal weaknesses resulting in very large, destructive avalanches.
- Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain, large avalanches may reach the end of run out zones.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 11th, 2015 4:00PM
