Turnagain Pass Avalanche Forecast

This problem is increasingly becoming unlikely, but the hazard associated with it could be dangerous if triggered.  The storm snow from last week has now settled to about 3+ feet of hard consolidated snow.  This slab is strong and difficult to trigger, but it sits at an interface that sometimes shows poor bonding to the older layer below it.  

The deep slab is most likely to be triggered from a shallow area where the slab tapers down to 1 foot deep or less.  Alternatively a large trigger like multiple skiers or a snowmachine could initiate through a deeper portion of the slab.  

Photo – Typical steep terrain with deep slab avalanches evident from the storm and large cornice features.

We got a report of a small wind slab triggered in Pastoral a couple days ago.  Click here for observation.  An east wind was loading up westerly aspects.  Today it is possible to find stiff aging wind slab that could pop when traveled on.  Keep this in mind, especially in steeper terrain.

Cornices are big and mature this time of year.  As people get onto steeper terrain the cornice factor becomes more significant.  In some steep areas they are a mandatory nuisance to be negotiated.

Remember to scope out a safe entrance that avoids a blind approach onto overhanging cornice features.  Take a rope for a safe belay if you think your chosen line can’t avoid cornice exposure.