Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 30th, 2015 8:00AM

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

andrew jones, Parks Canada

Glacier.

Expect an increasing avalanche danger on solar aspects in the alpine, where temperatures will climb above freezing.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Sunshine and a temperature inversion in the alpine today. Temperatures have been above freezing since Friday at around 2000m. Light northerly winds will not reduce the warming effect significantly. Clear skies will to dominate until Tuesday afternoon when the weather pattern is expected to change bringing small amounts of precip and cooler temps.

Snowpack Summary

There is 20 mm surface hoar and near surface faceting affecting the snowpack at lower elevations. This layer will become a concern once it is buried. 6mm surface hoar can be found at tree line and above with sun crusts on steep solar aspects, variable wind effect and wind slab in exposed terrain at tree line and in the alpine.

Avalanche Summary

Several size 1.5-2.0 avalanches were observed in the highway corridor within the past few days. Point release activity was occurring on steeper solar aspects yesterday caused by above freezing temperatures at higher elevations and prolonged sun exposure.

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations

Problems

Wind Slabs

Reverse loading from northerly winds has formed wind slabs on southerly aspects.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Dry

A temperature inversion at and above tree line today may result in moist point release activity on solar aspects.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 1st, 2015 8:00AM