Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 5th, 2013 8:00AM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Loose Dry.

Parks Canada Catherine Brown, Parks Canada

If the sun stays out into the afternoon watch for warming on slopes facing the sun.  Loose avalanches triggered from hot spots around rocks and trees are possible.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Sunny breaks are possible for this morning with light snow forecast this afternoon.  No significant precipitation is in the forecast for the next three days.  The westerly flow brings mainly SW winds and temperatures near seasonal.

Snowpack Summary

Strong solar rad has produced breakable sfc Cr mainly on steep solar aspects above 1700m. Some easterly slopes are also effected. On Thursday we observed SH on the sfc up to 2150 m, the largest at the top of the VF ~1600 m (sz 10-20mm). Cold temps and below ave HS have produced more faceting in the snowpack then normal, especially in the top 30 cm.

Avalanche Summary

We observed one natural loose avalanche yesterday west of the summit on a west aspect along the highway corridor.  Recent natural avalanche activity has been confined to steep unskiable terrain.  Backcountry skiers are reporting large sluffs running fast and far in steep terrain.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Problems

Loose Dry

An icon showing Loose Dry
The loose upper snow sluffs easily on steep slopes. Riders are reporting these running fast and far. On large steep slopes, particularly gully features, these will gain mass and become larger.  Manage your travel accordingly.
Avoid travelling on ledges and cliffs where sluffing may have severe consequences.On steep slopes, pull over periodically or cut into a new line to manage sluffing.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Jan 6th, 2013 8:00AM