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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Feb 21st, 2022–Feb 22nd, 2022

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

South Rockies.

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.

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. 

WEDNESDAY: Mostly sunny, easing northeast winds. Alpine high of -15. 

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. 

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. 

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

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.