Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 28th, 2020 8:00AM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
chris gooliaff,
Parks Canada
Ridge-top winds continue to create slabs in lee and exposed features. Steep, unsupported slopes should be treated with caution, especially if the surface feels stiff underfoot.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Weak storms the next 3 days, then a warm whopper Fri/Sat.
Today: Isolated flurries, alpine high -6*C, fzl rising to 1300m, light SW winds
Wed: Flurries, 5-10cm snow, alpine high -6*C, fzl rising to 1300m, mod/strong SW winds
Thurs: Flurries, 10cm snow, alpine high -6*C, fzl 1200m, mod/strong SW winds
Fri:/Sat Snow, 55cm, alp high -1*C, fzl 1900m
Snowpack Summary
Periods of moderate to strong southerly winds have created pockets of windslab on lee features, especially on northerly aspects. The mild temps are promoting settlement in the upper snowpack.
Avalanche Summary
Saturday, skiers in the Forever Young couloir (a high, northerly aspect) triggered a size 2 avalanche which resulted in partial burials and serious injuries. Skiers also triggered avalanches on NRC (cross-loaded slope), Video Peak and Grizzly Couloir (sun crust) this past week.
Confidence
Problems
Wind Slabs
Light snowfall, combined with periods of moderate to strong wind, have loaded lee slopes. Pockets of wind slab exist in the alpine/upper tree-line. On Sat, 2 skiers were seriously injured in an avalanche they triggered in the Forever Young couloir.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
- Watch for stiffer feeling snow. Avoid areas that appear wind loaded.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 29th, 2020 8:00AM
