Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 3rd, 2021 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs, Wind Slabs and Loose Dry.
Deryl Kelly,
Up to 60cm of new storm snow distributed through the forecast region.
Look carefully for signs of localized instability and wind effect before committing to big features.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Tonight: Cloudy with clear periods, isolated flurries and a trace of new snow. Temp: -15 C. Ridge wind W: 15 km/h.
Thursday: Cloudy with flurries. Accumulation: 4 cm. Temp: High -9 C. Ridge wind west: 15-35 km/h.
Friday: A mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. Temp: Low -23 C, High -10 C. Ridge wind northwest: 15 km/h gusting to 50 km/h
Snowpack Summary
40-60cm of new storm snow appears to be bonding well to the old surface, on a mixed form/facet interface giving hard, sudden planar results in field tests at the Icefields. Soft-slab will continue to develop on all aspects and elevations as the snow settles. Mid-pack remains strong underfoot except in areas where the snowpack is less than 100cm.
Avalanche Summary
A determined avalanche control team worked hard Tuesday to produced a few good results, up to size 2.5 on a very stubborn storm interface in low elevation targets with several large triggers. A natural avalanche cycle continues with observed loose dry and soft slabs to sz 1.5 on many aspects.
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Confidence
Wind effect is extremely variable
Problems
Storm Slabs
Soft slabs will continue to develop as the new load settles. The potential exists for avalanches to step down to deeper layers.
- The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
Light to moderate W through SW winds will transport snow into immediate lees in the alpine and, eventually exposed treeline features
- Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain during periods of moderate to intense transport.
- Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Dry
Size and likelihood dependent terrain. Previous surface faceting could make this problem more reactive.
- Avoid travelling on ledges and cliffs where sluffing may have severe consequences.
- Be careful of loose dry power sluffing in steep terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 4th, 2021 4:00PM
