Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 12th, 2022 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Persistent Slabs.

Stephen Holeczi,

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Ski quality isn't amazing with lots of wind scoured snow and crusts. There will likely be an improving avalanche hazard trend over the next few days.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Mild temperatures will continue on Sunday, but more cloud cover should keep things relatively cool. Winds will be light to moderate from the W/SW and there may be a trace of snow. A cooling trend is in the works for the beginning of next week.

Snowpack Summary

Extensive wind effect in exposed areas above treeline, with wind slabs in lee areas at treeline and in the alpine. The Jan. 30 surface hoar and sun crust is down 20-30 cm which is becoming less reactive in tests. Crusts can be found to 2000m, and higher on solar aspects. Shallow snowpack areas remain weak and faceted.

Avalanche Summary

No new natural avalanches reported or observed

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Previous strong winds from the W-NW have developed wind slabs in lee areas at treeline and above. These have been relatively stubborn but keep them in mind in steep terrain.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs

The Jan 30 layer exists 20-30cm down as surface hoar on shady aspects and sun crust on steep South aspects. We suspect this wont be a problem for much longer, but forecasters are uncertain about shady aspects where surface hoar could be preserved.

  • Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.

Aspects: North, North East, North West.

Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 13th, 2022 4:00PM

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