Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 20th, 2016 8:00AM
The alpine rating is Storm Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems includehttp://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/links/goto_e.asp?destination=Periods of strong solar, combined with an unpredictable layer down ~1m and a busy weekend will make decision making complicated. Avoid exposure to slopes threatened by cornices, that are hammered by the sun, and consider who is above and below you!
Summary
Weather Forecast
Today expect flurries to taper off, with increasing sun this afternoon. This will be the first real sun on the slopes since the storm and brief, intense periods of sun may trigger avalanches. S-W winds will load lee slopes. Sun should start out sunny, but we may see more cloud in the afternoon with flurries. Mon should be cloudy with flurries.
Snowpack Summary
Reactive soft slabs have formed. Strong S'ly winds have formed windslabs. Snowpack tests indicate that weaknesses exist within the storm snow as well as on a persistent weak layer down 60-100cm. This layer appears to be most reactive on S'ly aspects, and tests show that avalanches may step down to this layer. Large cornices loom in many areas.
Avalanche Summary
Over the past few days, skiers have been triggering size 1-1.5 avalanches at treeline and above. These soft slabs are generally 10-30cm deep and some are running long distances. Natural avalanches are occurring from steep avalanche paths with start zones that are loaded by S'ly winds. These size 2.5 to 3 avalanches ran well onto the avalanche fans.
Confidence
Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain
Problems
Storm Slabs
Touchy storm slabs have formed in some areas. On steep slopes, especially ridgecrests, roll-overs and areas exposed to wind, expect slabs to be easily triggered. These soft slabs move fast and can accumulate in terrain traps.
Use safe ski cutting techniques before entering ski run. Ski short pitches and regroup in safe spots.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
A weak layer down 60-100cm is a wild card. It could pop up anywhere but tests indicate it is more reactive on solar aspects, the same slopes that will be hit by the sun if it comes out. Strong solar could wake this layer up.
Avoid slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if they have large cornices overhead.Caution around convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 21st, 2016 8:00AM