Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 7th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs.
mbender,
Avalanche Canada
There is uncertainty with snowfall amounts Tuesday night into Wednesday morning. Regardless, new snow combined with wind will likely increase the likelihood of triggering storm and wind slabs in the alpine and treeline.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
On Monday there were reports of windslab avalanches in the alpine and tree line to size 1.5 and loose dry avalanches from steep terrain to size 1. There was also a MIN report of two size 2-2.5 cornice triggered avalanches in the alpine.
On Saturday, east of Fernie, a couple of small to large natural and rider triggered avalanches were reported that involved cornices. See the MIN report for more information.
Looking forward, fresh storm slabs may be reactive to the weight of a rider earlier from snow accumulating through Tuesday night.
Please continue to share any observations or photos on the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
10 to 30 cm of new snow is likely being redistributed by moderate to strong west and southwest winds. This overlies previously formed wind slabs and/or a melt-freeze crust below 1900m.
The mid-pack is consolidated in the Lizard Range with a 10-20cm thick frozen crust buried 70 to 90 cm.
Weather Summary
Tuesday Night
Mainly cloudy with snowfall, accumulation 10-20cm. Light to moderate southwest ridgetop wind, trending to strong at higher elevations. Treeline temperature around -5 ºC.
Wednesday
Mostly cloudy with scattered flurries, accumulation 3-5cm. Moderate west ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -3 °C.
Thursday
Mix of sun and cloud. Moderate southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -3 °C.
Friday
Mainly cloudy with flurries. Moderate to strong southwest ridgetop wind. Treeline temperature around -3 ºC.
More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Storm snow and wind is forming touchy slabs. Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline.
- Continue to make conservative terrain choices while the storm snow settles and stabilizes.
Problems
Storm Slabs
Storm slabs may be reactive to the weight of a rider.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 8th, 2023 4:00PM
