Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 3rd, 2021 4:00PM

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

Deryl Kelly,

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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

An icon showing 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

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Wind Slabs

An icon showing 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

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Loose Dry

An icon showing 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

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 4th, 2021 4:00PM