Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 8th, 2025 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Persistent Slabs.
Avalanche Canada,
Avalanche Canada
Triggering an avalanche is still possible in wind loaded terrain or areas where the snowpack transitions from thin to thick.
Back down from areas if you see signs of instability.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Friday: Numerous large ( size 2 to 2.5) avalanches were produced during explosives control in the region. in the alpine and at treeline on many aspects. A few small (size 1) naturals continue to be reported on east aspects.
Thursday: Reports of a few rider and remote triggered avalanches (size 1 to 2) on east aspects and north east aspects at all elevations.
Wednesday: West of Creston, explosive avalanche control produced several large slab avalanches (up to size 2.5)
Snowpack Summary
A dusting snow in the region covers 30 to 55 cm of low density snow which is settling over a layer of surface hoar buried at the end of January. In some parts of the region, alpine and treeline wind has formed deeper, denser deposits of snow in leeward terrain, and potentially scoured some windward ridgetops.
The buried surface hoar has been reported to be as large as 20 mm. On shaded slopes it's sitting on 10 to 20 cm of loose, sugary facets, but on sunny slopes it's sitting on a thin, hard crust.
This layer has been the culprit for many natural and human-triggered avalanches this week, and is not expected to break down and bond anytime soon.
The lower snowpack is strong and bonded.
Weather Summary
Saturday Night
Partly cloudy with flurries. 10 to 30 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -18 °C.
Sunday
Mostly sunny. 10 to 40 km/h northwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -12 °C.
Monday
Sunny. 10 to 30 km/h northeast ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -13 °C.
Tuesday
Mostly sunny. 10 to 30 km/h north ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature -15 °C.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Fresh snow rests on a problematic persistent slab, don't let good riding lure you into complacency.
- Be aware of the potential for remote triggering and large avalanches due to buried surface hoar.
- Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
Problems
Persistent Slabs
A layer of surface hoar 30 to 55 cm deep buried at the end of January has been most reactive where a slab exists above it.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 9th, 2025 4:00PM
