Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 5th, 2021 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Dry.
Lisa Paulson,
Carefully assess the wind slab problem before committing to big terrain. Though natural avalanche activity has decreased, skier triggering of this problem remains a concern.
Summary
Weather Forecast
An up slope weather system will deposit heavy snow in the Eastern parts of the forecast region starting Friday evening with accumulation of 5-15 cm by midday Saturday. An arctic ridge will move into the forecast region this weekend resulting in cold temperatures and decreased wind values. The arctic air will remain in place until Friday next week.
Snowpack Summary
Moderate to strong Westerly winds have redistributed the recent 30-60cm of low density storm snow into wind slab in the alpine and exposed areas at tree line. In sheltered areas the recent storm snow remains loose powder. The mid snowpack has a series of persistent weak layers that remain dormant. Height of snow at tree line is 150-220 cm.
Avalanche Summary
Natural avalanche activity has tapered since the peak of the storm on Tuesday. Explosive control work has continued to produce avalanches to size 2.5 in areas where newly formed wind slabs exist.
Confidence
Problems
Wind Slabs
Recently formed wind slabs continue to produce avalanches to size 2.5 in the alpine and open areas at tree line. Skier triggering of this problem remains a concern.
- Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.
- Watch for shooting cracks or stiffer feeling snow. Avoid areas that appear wind loaded.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Dry
This problem is primely a concern in the Eastern part of the forecast region where an up slope weather system has deposited heavy snow. Assess the problem carefully before entering confined terrain traps like ice climbing gulleys and steep couloirs.
- Be aware of party members below you that may be exposed to your sluffs.
- Be careful of loose dry power sluffing in steep terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 6th, 2021 4:00PM
