Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 13th, 2020 4:00PM

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

Parks Canada deryl kelly, Parks Canada

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Relentless winds continue to build on the existing wind slabs and cornices in the Alpine. Varied surface crusts making riding challenging below 1700m.

Good turn found between 1740m and 1705m, Enjoy!

Summary

Weather Forecast

Forecasts show an intense pulse of precipitation (~10mm) accompanied with strong south westerly winds overnight Thursday. Broken skies through the day Friday, west winds continue. Alpine temperatures high, -10.

See Weather synopsis here: Avalanche Canada Mountain Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Relentless SW winds continue building variable strength windslab and pronounced cornice development on Northerly aspects and cross loaded features treeline and above. Supportive mid-pack bridging the deeper basal facets and depth hoar. Average HS at treeline: ~180cm.

Avalanche Summary

Field team in Churchill Slide Paths observed only previous evidence of natural avalanche activity. Visibility was poor over then day; no new avalanche observations. Profile at 2250m, HS: 135cm. No failures found in field tests.

Confidence

Wind effect is extremely variable

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Wind slabs are prevalent through the forecast region. Their sensitivity will vary particularly with local loading and wind patterns.

  • If triggered the storm/wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
  • Assess start zones carefully and use safe travel techniques.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs

Shallow snowpack zones and/or large triggers such as cornice failures could trigger this deep layer. The consequences would be severe!

  • Assess start zones carefully and use safe travel techniques.
  • If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

1.5 - 3

Valid until: Feb 14th, 2020 4:00PM