Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 19th, 2014 4:09PM
The alpine rating is Persistent Slabs and Wind Slabs.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems includeThe storm snow still needs time to settle and bond. Conservative route choices are still advised.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries through to Friday. Alpine temperatures reaching a high of -9. Light southwest winds with moderate gusts.
Snowpack Summary
30 -70 cm of recent storm snow is settling and overrides the Feb 10th interface. A poor bond persists at this interface and many avalanches have been observed on this layer over the past week. Recent SW winds have created wind slabs in lee alpine terrain. These wind slabs are easily triggered and often step down to the Feb 10th interface.
Avalanche Summary
The natural avalanche cycle seems to have subsided, however many skier triggered wind slabs up to Class 1.5 were reported today. A size 3 natural off of Mt. Wapta was observed yesterday and explosive control work today on the Yoho Highway Paths resulted in several Class 2.5's and one Class 3 all running in the storm snow.
Confidence
Problems
Persistent Slabs
The recent storm snow is settling but a poor bond still exists on the storm snow interface. Natural activity has decreased but it is still possible for skiers to trigger this layer.
- Avoid open slopes with any steepness over 30 degrees.
- Avoid unsupported slopes.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
Recent SW winds have created touchy wind slabs on lee alpine and treeline terrain. These wind slabs are reactive to skier triggering.
- Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline. Recent storm snow has formed touchy slabs.
- Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 20th, 2014 4:00PM