Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 7th, 2023 4:30PM

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

Avalanche Canada matt, Avalanche Canada

Email

Existing windslabs are starting to settle and become less reactive. Sticking to low or moderate angle slopes is still critical for safe travel.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new today, but observations were limited.

Snowpack Summary

Last night's new snow has settled out a bit today. Windslabs and settlement slabs have begun to bond with the underlying layers. While cracking and whumphing is less common, triggerable windslabs will still be present near ridges and wind prone areas. The bigger (and deeper) problems still exist in the lower snowpack and their assessment should be an ongoing theme while the new snow continues to settle.

Weather Summary

Thursday will see a low of -14 and a high of -5. No snow, and light winds from the SW.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid shallow, rocky areas where the snowpack transitions from thick to thin.
  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Be aware of the potential for surprisingly large avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Recent winds and snowfall have created fresh, sensitive wind slabs in the Alpine and open areas at treeline.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs

Thin areas are where this layer will be easiest to trigger. Be thinking about wide propagations as the snowpack above is more cohesive than before.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Feb 8th, 2023 4:00PM