Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 14th, 2021 4:09PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Dry.
Tim Haggarty,
Despite the cold temperatures avalanches continue to occur daily. As temperatures slowly increase there is some potential for the frequency of this activity to increase as well.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Winds have returned to the SW and have backed off to generally light where they should remain Monday. Alpine temps reached -20C today but are expected to peak at -15C Monday while valley bottom temps may break -10C with clear skies to start the day. Increasing cloud late Monday may lead to trace amounts of snow overnight and cooling in the alpine.
Snowpack Summary
Variable winds have created small slabs in the alpine, and wind effect in open areas at treeline. The surface snow is faceting and beginning to sluff more easily in steep terrain. A facet layer from Jan 27th down 30-40 cm is of note especially near treeline. On steep south slopes this layer may also involve a thin crust.
Avalanche Summary
Increased winds saw some loose dry activity in steep alpine terrain on Mt. Stephen Saturday. Cornice failures have been observed over the past few days, which have pulled small wind slabs below. A size 2 to 2.5 natural on Mt. Carnarvon was reported to have occurred over the last 48 -72 hours.
Confidence
Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent variable winds have built slabs. These are mainly small in size but would be of concern in steep alpine terrain. There have also been several examples of cornice failures over the last few days creating larger events that involve these slabs.
- Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could trigger slabs.
- Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Dry
As the surface snow facets and weakens, it is starting to sluff more easily in steep terrain. This is mostly a problem in narrow confined terrain like gullies or couloirs.
- Consider that avalanches may run further than expected as they entrain this loose surface snow.
- On steep slopes, pull over periodically or cut into a new line to manage sluffing.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 15th, 2021 4:00PM
