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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 20th, 2016–Jan 21st, 2016
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Little Yoho.

We expect an avalanche cycle over Thursday & Friday. Stay clear of steep gullied terrain where loose snow avalanches are likely.

AVALANCHE CONTROL FOR MT. BOURGEAU, SUNSHINE ROAD ON THURSDAY - PLEASE NO RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES IN THIS AREA

Weather Forecast

Up to 15cm of snow can be expected between now &  the end of Friday, bringing total recent snow to 35 cm. The wind is will pick up on Thursday midday (Moderate West), peaking overnight, and moderate - strong through Friday. Temperatures will also rise with freezing levels climbing to 1800 m. We expect a small avalanche cycle with these inputs.

Snowpack Summary

With the forecast for moderate to strong West wind, the 15-25cm of recent storm snow will continue to build windslabs in the alpine & treeline.  The overall snowpack has become weaker from the facetting process but is still supportive.  In some areas the upper snowpack is comprised entirely of facets with no cohesion.

Avalanche Summary

Over the past week, several skier triggered and natural loose snow avalanches to size 2 have been reported in steep terrain gaining mass as they travel and running far. On Tuesday, forecasters were able to ski cut a size 1.5 windslab that entrained facets and ran for 700m near the Simpson slid paths in Kootenay NP.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Loose Dry

Expect increased natural activity with forecast of wind, warming temperatures, and light snow.  New snow and surface facets will sluff easily in steep terrain (40+ degrees) and run far..  Avoid exposure to steep overhead or gullied terrain (Dennis).

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Wind Slabs

10-25 new snow from the past week will move with mod- strong West wind & warms temperatures over Thursday and Friday building windslabs over weak faceted snow surfaces.  We expect a small avalanche cycle by Friday.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2