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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Feb 16th, 2014–Feb 17th, 2014

Alpine
Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Alpine
Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Regions

Little Yoho.

Storm and wind slabs are still touchy in the alpine.

Weather Forecast

The track and intensity of the incoming storm has changed since yesterday. Overall, slightly less precip is now expected. This means, approx 30cm is forecasted in the North (Bow Summit) and 20cm(ish) in the south (Sunshine). However, the slight change will have little effect on the danger rating, which will still be high in the alpine.

Snowpack Summary

The biggest change to the snowpack is wind. Mod to strong wind through out the forecast region has been perpetuating the development of wind slabs, now up to 40cm deep. Additionally, below the recent storm snow expect to find a well settled snowpack.

Avalanche Summary

Numerous avalanches up to size 2 were observed on Mt. Dennis and Mt. Burgess today. (potentially 24 hours old). Additionally, a natural size 2 avalanche was reported on Quartz Ridge near Sunshine Village. A reliable source indicated that it went today.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Tuesday

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) in the middle to upper snowpack, when the bond to an underlying persistent weak layer breaks. Persistent layers include: surface hoar, depth hoar, near-surface facets, or faceted snow. Persistent weak layers can continue to produce avalanches for days, weeks or even months, making them especially dangerous and tricky. As additional snow and wind events build a thicker slab on top of the persistent weak layer, this avalanche problem may develop into a Deep Persistent Slab.

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.