Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 3rd, 2017 8:00AM

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

Parks Canada ross campbell, Parks Canada

Wind slabs and cornices are the main concern for today. The avalanche danger will rise this weekend, peaking on Saturday as the storm settles in.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Cloud building today as a storm approaches from the pacific, snow is expected this afternoon continuing over the weekend, with the bulk of the snow arriving tonight and tomorrow am. Temps will reach -11 today, with moderate winds from the north east. Forecast models are uncertain on precip amounts, south of us will see the most precipitation.

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 Tuesday 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 earlier in the week 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 Tuesday below Avalanche pk

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Saturday

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Previous strong to extreme winds left behind a variety of surface conditions, from hard wind slabs to complete scouring near ridge crests. Wind slabs will be most reactive on lee terrain features or cross loaded areas.
Watch for areas of hard wind slab in steep alpine features.The best powder will be found in sheltered locations at or below treeline.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Feb 4th, 2017 8:00AM