Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 21st, 2020 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
jfloyer,
Avalanche Canada
Danger is on a decreasing trend after the recent storm. Best enjoy the good snow in sheltered areas away from the influence of the wind.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the speed, direction, or duration of the wind and its effect on the snowpack.
Weather Forecast
Friday night: Around 5 cm new snow. Strong southwesterly winds.
Saturday: 2-5 cm new snow. Moderate southwesterly winds. Temperatures around -8C.
Sunday: Flurries. Light southeasterly winds. Temperatures around -11C.
Monday: Dry with some sunshine. Calm winds. Temperatures around -15C.
Avalanche Summary
No recent avalanches have been reported on the Canadian side of White Pass despite the recent new snow and wind. On the American side, several avalanches of at least size 2 have been reported from highway elevations and in the alpine during the last few days.
Snowpack Summary
20-30 cm new snow fell on Wednesday/Thursday with additional light amounts since then. This new snow has been redistributed by shifting winds, and wind slabs have been reported on a variety of aspects in exposed terrain. Cornices are reported to be growing in size.
At White Pass, where snowpack depths are between 180 and 250 cm, the mid and lower snowpack layers are well bonded. In the Wheaton Valley, the base of the thin snowpack comprises mainly of sugary facets and is capped by a breakable crust.
Terrain and Travel
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been wind-affected.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slab avalanches exist on a variety of aspects in exposed terrain. Winds have been picking up quickly and there is plenty of fresh snow for transport, so wind slabs can build rapidly in new locations. The likelihood will diminish on Monday with anticipated calm winds.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 24th, 2020 5:00PM
