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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Feb 7th, 2020–Feb 8th, 2020

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Northwest Coastal.

Conditions should improve with clear cool weather in the forecast, but remain cautious on slopes that are wind loaded or getting hit by the sun.

Confidence

Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the timing or intensity of solar radiation and its effect on the snowpack.

Weather Forecast

We’re moving into a rather benign weather window for the next few days. The highlights are clear skies on Saturday, and potentially strong wind on Monday. The longer term models show a chance for a bigger storm event Monday night, stay tuned for details.

FRIDAY NIGHT: Freezing level at valley bottom, light northeast wind at most elevations, no significant precipitation expected.

SATURDAY: Clear skies, freezing level at valley bottom, moderate northwest wind, no significant precipitation expected.

SUNDAY: Broken cloud cover, freezing level around 500 m, moderate northwest wind, no significant precipitation expected.

MONDAY: Broken cloud cover, freezing level around 800 m, moderate to strong west/northwest wind, no significant precipitation expected.

Avalanche Summary

On Thursday loose dry avalanches were reported from steep south aspects to size 2.5. Wind slabs up to size 2.5 were reported from steep alpine and treeline features as well.

Stormy weather on Tuesday and Wednesday resulted in a natural cycle of size 2 storm slab avalanches, especially on north and east facing slopes that were wind loaded. Some smaller (size 1) slabs were also triggered by riders in similar terrain. 

Glide cracks have reportedly been opening and releasing glide slab avalanches. Avoid slopes with glide cracks, as they are unpredictable.

Snowpack Summary

Open terrain has been heavily affected by strong wind from the west, but shifting winds could form slabs on a range of aspects. 30 cm of recent snow is rapidly settling and gaining strength. A thin layer of facets that formed during the January cold snap is now 100-150 cm below the surface and an early season crust exists at the base of the snowpack. These layers produced a few large naturally triggered avalanches last week, but are unreactive under the current conditions.

Terrain and Travel

  • Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
  • Minimize exposure to sun-exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.