Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 1st, 2017–Feb 2nd, 2017

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Glacier.

Fresh windslab and cornices are fragile and still need time to gain strength.

Weather Forecast

Today will be sunny with cloudy periods with no new snow. Winds will be light from the East and the daytime high is forecast to get up to -15*C. Expect much colder temps in the shade(north facing terrain or valley bottoms) or anywhere the wind is blowing. Our local weather pattern will change in the next few days with milder temps and some snowfall

Snowpack Summary

Previous strong Southerly winds have caused extensive wind effect in the alpine. Conditions are highly variable from wind scoured, wind slabs, hard slabs and deep wind drifts. Surface hoar to size 3 was found in profiles yesterday underneath the wind effected snow. At treeline and in very sheltered alpine locations the snow surface is undisturbed.

Avalanche Summary

There was a natural avalanche cycle within the last 72 hrs associated with the strong winds and 10cm of new snow. Numerous avalanches from size 2 -3 were observed to run into their runouts. In the backcountry there was reports of both natural and human triggered windslabs. A cornice triggered avalanche was also observed yesterday below Avalanche pk

Confidence

Wind effect is extremely variable

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent windloading has created windslab on all aspects in the alpine. On south and west aspects the windslab will become easier to trigger with solar warming. Evidence of this windslab is widespread, obvious & it will take more time to become stable

Avoid unsupported slopes.Avoid steep convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3