Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 2nd, 2022 3:00PM

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

Avalanche Canada mkoppang, Avalanche Canada

Watch for skier trigerable windslabs as you transition into alpine terrain. The bond with the new snow and the underlying surface is improving but will take some time. 

Summary

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

Thursday is thankfully expected to be a warmer day (-10C) with a mix of sun and cloud and winds in the moderate range out of the SW. A weak system is expected to cross the region on Friday giving us some light flurries. 

Avalanche Summary

Several loose dry slides from steep unskiable terrain up to sz 1.5. No new slab avalanche activity. 

Snowpack Summary

Recent snow has formed windslabs in alpine terrain that are poorly bonded to the underlying surface. These windslabs are 30-60cm deep and are being found in isolated areas at treeline and more widepsread on N and E aspects into the alpine. Forecasters have noted cracking along ridgecrests during the week indicating that human triggerring is a possibility. 

Terrain and Travel

  • Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.
  • Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
  • Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

The bond below the recent snow is not good, and forecasters are somewhat surprised that there hasn't been more avalanche activity associated with this layer. In recently wind affected terrain, human triggering is likely. 

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Feb 3rd, 2022 3:00PM