Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 3rd, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs and Loose Wet.
ahanna,
Avalanche Canada
New snow and strong winds are building fresh and reactive storm slabs while rain soaks the snowpack at low elevations. Natural and rider triggered avalanches are likely on Friday.
Summary
Confidence
Weather Forecast
Thursday night: 5-15 cm in most areas, heavier amounts in coastal areas, falling as rain at low elevations. Extreme SW wind. Freezing level 500 m.
Friday: 5-15 cm in most areas, falling as rain at low elevations. Strong SW wind. Freezing level 1000 m. Alpine temperature around -1 C.
Saturday: A mix of sun and cloud. Moderate to strong W wind. Freezing level 800 m. Alpine temperature around -4 C.
Sunday: Snowfall 10-20 cm. Strong SW wind. Freezing level 1000 m. Alpine temperature -2 C.
Avalanche Summary
On Wednesday, natural activity was limited to a few size 1 storm slabs. Storm slabs were reactive to ski cuts to size 1 and explosives averaging size 2.
Snowpack Summary
10-30 cm of new snow is forecast to accumulate by the end of Friday. This now brings 50-100 cm of recent snow above a variety of surfaces that formed during the end of January. This interface is made up of a crust, facets, and surface hoar. The crust can be found at or below treeline as well as on south-facing terrain in the alpine. In isolated sheltered terrain at treeline surface hoar has formed along with facets above this crust. Where a crust did not form facets will likely be found.
The January 19th surface hoar layer can still be found down 40 to 60 at treeline and above in sheltered terrain. Recent reports indicate that it is becoming less of a concern.
Terrain and Travel
- As the storm slab problem gets trickier, the easy solution is to choose more conservative terrain.
- Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind or rain.
- Travel in alpine terrain is not recommended.
- Keep in mind that wet avalanches can be destructive due to their high density.
Problems
Storm Slabs
20 to 40 cm of storm snow has formed fresh and reactive storm slabs. Sensitivity could be greater in areas where storm and wind slab has formed over a crust, facets, or surface hoar.
Loose-dry avalanches and sloughing will likely be seen on steeper terrain features in the alpine/ treeline where the new snow falls on a crust.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Wet
Fluctuating freezing levels may bring rain rather than snow at lower elevations. Wet loose avalanches may be widespread, especially from steeper slopes with an underlying crust.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Below Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 4th, 2022 4:00PM
