Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 9th, 2017–Feb 10th, 2017

Alpine

4: High

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Glacier.

With mid-storm conditions, today's best skiing will be in the trees!

Weather Forecast

We are in mid-storm conditions. 17cm of snow is forecast for today, 15cm for tonight, and 10cm for Friday. Freezing levels will rise rapidly this morning reaching 1400m. Ridge winds will be moderate from the SW with gusts to 60km/h. The atmospheric pressure is expected to rise on Saturday with a return to clear skies for the end of the weekend.

Snowpack Summary

15cm of new snow overnight was accompanied by moderate NE winds. The new snow overlies a persistent slab which in turn sits on a variety of surfaces down 40-50cm; sun crust on steep solar slopes, windslabs in the alpine and gully features, small surface hoar and facets. New snow will further destabilize this existing layer.

Avalanche Summary

Yesterday before the storm, skiers observed widespread whumpfing and cracking in the persistent slab layer in treeline areas. On steep rolling terrain, this layer has been initiated with ski cuts producing size 1 to 1.5 avalanches. With ongoing heavy precipitation, avalanche activity will increase today.

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Heavy loading from recent storms has created widespread storm slabs. With more snow and wind for today, natural avalanches on this layer are likely. This is a problem to avoid today, staying clear of large open avalanche terrain above tree line.

Choose well supported terrain without convexities.Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline. Storm snow is forming touchy slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Loose Dry

With 15cm of new snow overnight and 18cm on the way today, expect to see loose dry avalanches occurring naturally from steep terrain. Even steep open lines below tree line will require some sluff management today.

Be aware of party members below you that may be exposed to your sluffs.Sluffs may trigger deeper instabilities.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Very Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2