Avalog Join
Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 14th, 2023–Feb 15th, 2023
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Wind slabs are becoming stubborn to trigger, anticipate slopes where wind slabs may be lingering, and don't commit to a steep slope if it feels dense or stiff.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Following a dynamic period of storm and wind slab avalanche releases, reports of avalanche activity on these layers have tapered.

Going forward we expect new wind slabs will be formed with snow available for transport and increasing winds. These new wind slabs may be triggered by riders in lee terrain features like ridges and ribs.

Snowpack Summary

The upper snowpack continues to settle and bond to previous surfaces. Wind slabs can still be found at upper elevations directly lee of terrain features like ridges.

The mid-pack is showing signs of strengthening. A surface hoar layer down roughly 60 to 80 cm has not produced avalanches recently but can still be found in isolated terrain features specifically sheltered, treeline, and upper below treeline.

The lower snowpack is composed of large and weak facets from November located near the base of the snowpack. Although this layer hasn't produced avalanches recently, it continues to guide terrain selection by professionals in the region.

Weather Summary

Tuesday night

Mostly clear skies, trace accumulations, with 5 to 10 km/h southwest winds, treeline temperatures -12 °C

Wednesday

A mix of sun and cloud, increasing overnight, 2 to 4 cm new snow, with 10 to 15 km/h southwest, treeline temperatures -10 °C.

Thursday

Mainly cloudy, 5 to 10 cm new snow, 5 to 10 km/h south winds, treeline temperatures -10 °C.

Friday

Cloudy, trace accumulation, 20 to 30 km/h southwest winds, treeline temperatures -10 °C

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • In areas where deep persistent slabs may exist, avoid shallow or variable depth snowpacks and unsupported terrain features.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Snow available for transport and increasing winds will continue to build wind slabs that may be reactive to human triggers.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

A layer of large and weak facets sits near the base of the snowpack. This layer is most prominent in upper treeline and alpine elevations. Riders are most likely to trigger an avalanche on this layer in steep, shallow terrain. Your best defence is to stay diligent in choosing low-consequence terrain away from overhead exposure.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3.5