Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 6th, 2022 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Persistent Slabs.

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We added a new persistent  problem to the bulletin due to a gradual increase in slab development over the Jan 30 interface. Though we have seen very few avalanches on this layer thus far. We expect this to change with more snow and settlement.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A small system is moving into the forecast region for the beginning of the week. The westerly flow is forecasted to deposit up to 15cm of snow over the next three days. Freezing levels for Monday and Tuesday will reach 1100m with daytime warming. Strong westerly winds are expected at upper elevations till Wednesday.

Snowpack Summary

Moderate winds continue to redistribute the 30-50 cm of recent snow at upper elevations creating wind slab on lee slopes. At tree line and below the recent storm snow is beginning to develop into a slab, which overlays the Jan 30 surface hoar and sun crust. This interface is found 20 to 40cm down. Shallow snowpack areas remain weak and faceted.

Avalanche Summary

Observed several small loose avalanches out of steep southerly aspects. This avalanche activity was initiated from afternoon solar heating

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

As you approach treeline, expect to encounter slab development. Take the time to investigate what the recent snow is sitting on and how it is bonding.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs

This layer exist as surface hoar in sheltered areas and sun crust on steep southerly aspects 20 to 50cm down. We have only observed a few avalanche on this interface so far. As more slab develops over this layer, we expect it to become more reactive.

  • Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Feb 7th, 2022 4:00PM