Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 19th, 2019 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
Adam Greenberg,
Parks Canada
Storm's a comin'!!!! Heavy snow and/or rain, extreme winds, and rapid warming will lead to a widespread avalanche cycle. This is a great weekend to avoid avalanche terrain by sitting in front of a warm fire.
Summary
Weather Forecast
An incoming storm will bring extreme southwest winds, warm temperatures and heavy precipitation peaking on Friday. Freezing levels are somewhat uncertain but will likely be between 1700m and 2000m, bringing rain to the valley bottoms. Precipitation amounts will vary across the park, with some models calling for upwards of 70cm at Akamina Pass.
Snowpack Summary
New snow will be falling on variable wind affected surfaces from extreme west winds. A weak crust facet combo formed in November is down 60cm, and additional crust/facet layers formed in October form the bottom of the snowpack. These are less of a problem in deeper snowpack areas along the divide, but may be overloaded with incoming snow.
Avalanche Summary
No recent natural activity has been observed but this will change rapidly with the incoming precipitation and wind.
Confidence
Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Saturday
Problems
Storm Slabs
The incoming storm will bring heavy snowfall accompanied by 140km/h+ southwest winds and rain at lower elevations. Avalanche activity will peak on Friday and Saturday.
- Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.
- If triggered the storm slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
Melt freeze crusts and facets from early season snowfalls are lurking at the bottom of the snowpack. This layer may come alive again with loading form the incoming storm.
- Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain, large avalanches may reach the end of run out zones.
- Good day to make conservative terrain choices.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 22nd, 2019 4:00PM
