Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 6th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs, Loose Dry and Deep Persistent Slabs.
MH,
Avalanche Canada
Expect a widespread natural avalanche cycle on Tuesday.
Avoid avalanche terrain.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
Avalanche activity will increase throughout the day on Tuesday as the snow continues to fall.
A widespread natural avalanche cycle occurred early Saturday morning with numerous avalanches size 2-3.5 throughout the highway corridor.
Snowpack Summary
Expect ~15cm of new snow by Tuesday morning, which adds to the 30-50cm of settling storm snow from the past 5 days. Fresh storm slabs will develop throughout the day and become increasingly reactive as the snow accumulates.
The mid-snowpack is mainly rounded grains.
The Nov 17 deep persistent layer is near the base of the snowpack and is weak. It is mainly facetted with a decomposing crust in some locations.
Weather Summary
A decent-sized storm system approaches our region Monday night and tapers off late Tuesday night. Snowfall amounts will be 35-50cm. Southwest winds will range from 30-75km/hr, temps will range from 0 to -7 and the freezing level will rise to ~1400m.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Watch for fresh storm slabs building throughout the day.
- Storm slabs in motion may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
- Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.
- In areas where deep persistent slabs may exist, avoid shallow or variable depth snowpacks and unsupported terrain features.
Problems
Storm Slabs
The incoming storm has the potential to drop 50cm of storm snow, which is accompanied by strong winds. The storm slab will be touchy at all elevations and deeper in wind-loaded areas.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Dry
Anticipate dry loose avalanches in steep, sheltered terrain where it hasn't settled into a slab. If you decide to enter the backcountry, manage your group appropriately and be aware of terrain traps around you.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
This layer has been mainly dormant for the last few weeks but has the potential to 'wake up' with the additional snow load during the storm. Do not put yourself in a location (steep, thin, unsupported areas) to be involved with this layer, as the resulting avalanche would mess you up!
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 7th, 2023 4:00PM
