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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 14th, 2014–Jan 15th, 2014
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
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
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
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: Glacier.

Ease into the backcountry with caution, we had lots of snow and wind yesterday keeping the danger elevated. Be mindful of the overhead cornice and avalanche hazard.

Weather Forecast

Northwest flow pattern bringing unsettled weather into Thursday. Light snow is expected until then. Freezing levels will be around 1200m today lowering tomorrow to 900m. Clearer skies forecast on Thursday.

Snowpack Summary

Upper 60cm, 35cm of heavy storm snow sits over low density snow. Rain or melt freeze curst on the surface below 1400m. The January 8 surface hoar layer is down around 60-75cm. The mid pack is well settled with the November 28 surface hoar layer down around 2m where present. The basal layer is more facetted snow showing signs of strengthening.

Avalanche Summary

Widespread natural cycle yesterday with avalanches running to size 3.5 in the highway corridor.  Backcountry operations in the interior reporting similar observations.Artillery control produced numerous size 3.0 to 3.5 avalanches and most notably a size 4.0 off of Mt Green that released down to the glacial ice depositing snow onto the highway.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Yesterdays blizzard deposited 35cm of heavy snow that is sitting over snow that is much lighter, including a buried surface hoar layer. This combination makes it more reactive to rider triggering until it has a chance to settle out.
The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.Whumpfing, shooting cracks and recent avalanches are all strong inicators of unstable snowpack.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Wind Slabs

The winds associated with the storm yesterday were strong throughout the park at all elevations. Slopes near ridge crests should be treated with caution.  Wind slabs may exists in open areas below tree line above where there's a melt freeze crust.
Avoid freshly wind loaded features.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Persistent Slabs

The November surface hoar layer can still be triggered by large triggers such as avalanches or cornice fall. There have been reports of backcountry operations seeing avalanches failing on this layer in the region.
Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches due to the presence of buried surface hoar.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 3 - 4