Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 21st, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
jcoulter,
Avalanche Canada
Reverse loading from moderate to strong northeast winds continues to build potential wind slabs on unusual aspects. With cold temps and significant wind chill, even a small avalanche or accident could have big consequences.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate - Uncertainty is due to the speed, direction, or duration of the wind and its effect on the snowpack.
Weather Forecast
MONDAY NIGHT: Partly cloudy and trace of new snow. Treeline winds will be moderate out of the northeast, but alpine winds will be strong from the east. Alpine lows of -25.
TUESDAY: A mix of sun and cloud, moderate northeast winds at treeline, strong easterly winds in the high alpine. Alpine high of -20.Â
WEDNESDAY: Mostly sunny, easing northeast winds. Alpine high of -15.Â
THURSDAY: Partly cloudy with light to moderate northwest winds. Alpine high of -10.
Avalanche Summary
On Sunday and Monday several dry loose avalanches were reported, as well as some small (size 1) ski cut wind slabs in reverse loaded features.
Snowpack Summary
Winds have switched to the northeast stripping cornices and transporting the most recent snow into wind slabs on unusual aspects. Depending on wind loading and where you are in the region you could find approximately 20-50 cm over melt-freeze crusts on solar aspects at all elevations, and over firm wind-affected snow in exposed terrain.Â
The snowpack below is generally well consolidated, with a crust/facet layer found near the bottom of the snowpack. It is currently considered dormant but could become active later this season. Check out the forecaster blog for more information.Â
Terrain and Travel
- Recent wind has varied in direction so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
- Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
- Be alert to conditions that change with elevation and wind exposure.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Watch for pockets of wind slab on various aspects in exposed terrain and around ridgelines. These slabs have formed on top of old crusts and hard wind-pressed snow and there is uncertainty about how quickly they will bond to old surfaces.
The storm initially came in with southwest winds, but with the intrusion of arctic air, winds switched to the northeast potentially building slabs in less common locations.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 22nd, 2022 4:00PM
