Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 15th, 2021 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Dry.
Barb Sharp,
There has been a decrease in natural avalanche activity in the past 2 days, yet there is a concern that human triggered avalanches are still possible in shallow areas where the snowpack is facetted and weak.
Summary
Weather Forecast
We will return to seasonal normals with alpine temperatures between -17C and -10C for the next few days. A mix of sun and cloud with trace amounts of snow forecasted for Tuesday. Winds expected to be light from the southwest to northwest.
Snowpack Summary
The upper snowpack has facetted from the recent cold temperatures and overlies a supportive mid-pack, except in shallow areas where the entire snowpack is weak and facetted. Variable wind effect in the alpine and at tree line.
Avalanche Summary
One sz 3 avalanche (wind slab) observed from extreme, alpine, north aspect terrain. No other avalanches observed.
Confidence
Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent wind slab activity has been noted in high elevation wind loaded features. It seems to require a large trigger such as a cornice failure to initiate or potentially a shallow location where a skiers weight may be enough.
- Travel on ridgetops to avoid wind slabs on slopes below.
- Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Dry
Isolated, sheltered features that have not been impacted by winds are susceptible to sluffing and loose dry avalanches. Ice climbers be aware of these features.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 16th, 2021 4:00PM
