Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 13th, 2015 4:36PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Persistent Slabs.
Lisa Paulson,
Avalanche Canada
We have little confidence in the Dec 18 layer and it is the prime depth for human triggering. We believe any steep start zone could be triggered at this time.
Summary
Weather Forecast
The forecast calls for warmer temperatures tomorrow (-5C in the alpine), but the cloud cover and light west winds should keep things from getting too warm. Temperatures will cool Thursday and the winds will pick up as the next skiff of snow arrives on Friday.
Snowpack Summary
Snowpack observations at 2200m on Mt. Field on Monday and Emerald Lake slide path today indicate the Dec 18 surface hoar layer down 45cm remains prominent with moderate test results, This layer remains prime for human triggering and continues to be slow to heal. Some wind effect on the snow surface.
Avalanche Summary
Flights over the park today with good visibility revealed a widespread natural avalanche cycle over the past 36-hours. Wide propagations at treeline and above up to size 3, many running to the bottom of the runout zones.
Confidence
Problems
Persistent Slabs
A persistent weak layer of surface hoar was observed again today at alpine elevations, down 50cm from the top. This layer continues to cause concern, and until it stabilizes then avoidance of steep avalanche starting zones is strongly recommended.
- Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches due to the presence of buried surface hoar.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 14th, 2015 4:00PM
