Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 11th, 2015 8:11AM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Persistent Slabs and Loose Wet.

ali haeri, Parks Canada

Glacier.

Buried surface hoar has been responsible for many rider triggered avalanches recently and this instability is likely to be more reactive with warmer temperatures and sun shine. Avoid the temptation to be be lured onto larger slopes.

Summary

Weather Forecast

High pressure ridge over the Province will maintain mostly clear and dry conditions. Valley fog in most areas and clear above. Temperatures will warm up today to around -5 at 1700m. Mountain top winds will be calm to light. No precipitation is forecast until the end of this week.

Snowpack Summary

A sun crust up to 2cm thick is present on most solar aspects. Settling storm snow over the December 17th surface hoar down 60cm-100cm, still producing rider triggered avalanches. Crust/facet layers are present just below it with varying thicknesses depending on aspect and elevation. The Nov 9 crust is a 30cm basal layer close to or on the ground.

Avalanche Summary

Size 2.0 skier triggered avalanche in Loop Brook area, east aspect moraine feature, at 1700m, down ~60cm on the Dec 17 surface hoar layer, 4-6mm in size. 50m wide and 100m long.

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Problems

Persistent Slabs

The Dec 17 instability is still active and can be triggered by snow riders on convex rolls and steep terrain. The surface hoar sits on a thick crust, providing a bed surface for larger avalanches. This layer is widespread at treeline.

Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Loose Wet

Solar radiation could be a factor today, as temperatures are forecast to warm up with light to no wind. Loose avalanches beginning from cliffs and moist snow is an indication of this instability. Be aware of these changes through the day.

Minimize exposure to sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 12th, 2015 8:00AM