Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 4th, 2021 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Dry.
mark herbison,
Avalanche Control is taking place on Highawy 93 South (Mt. Whymper and Mt. Simpson) on Friday Feb 5th. No climbing, skiing or any activities in these areas!
Increasing winds will keep the avalanche hazard elevated on Friday.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Friday will see a mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries. Winds will increase again during the day up into the strong range (40-60km/hr) from the West and North West, tapering off by Friday night. Alpine temps will range from -10 to -15. Cool temps, cloud cover and light winds for the weekend.
Snowpack Summary
Moderate to strong Westerly winds have redistributed the recent 30-60cm of low density storm snow into wind slab in the alpine and exposed areas at tree line. The mid snowpack has a series of persistent weak layers that remain dormant. Height of snow at tree line is 150-220 cm.
Avalanche Summary
On Thursday explosive control on Mt. Bourgeau produced numerous sz 1-1.5 avalanches.
On Wednesday explosive control on Mt. Field, Mt. Stephen and Mt. Dennis on Wednesday produced numerous sz 2.0 avalanches, a few sz 2.5 and one sz 3.0.
A natural avalanche cycle occurred on Tuesday up to size 2.5. Natural avalanche activity has since tapered off.
Confidence
Problems
Wind Slabs
Increasing winds, up into the strong range (40-60km/hr) from the West to North West will redistribute the recent storm snow into wind slabs in the alpine and open areas at tree line.
- Watch for shooting cracks or stiffer feeling snow. Avoid areas that appear wind loaded.
- Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Dry
Up to 60 cm of storm snow has been sluffing easily in steep terrain. Avoid committing yourself to steep, confined terrain.
- Be careful of loose dry power sluffing in steep terrain.
- Be aware of party members below you that may be exposed to your sluffs.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 5th, 2021 4:00PM
