Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 30th, 2013 8:13AM

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

ali haeri, Parks Canada

Glacier.

The avalanche hazard is on the rise. A storm is approaching and a surface hoar has recently been buried.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A pacific frontal system is approaching the interior tonight with the bulk of it arriving tomorrow during the day into Monday morning. Light amounts are expected tonight with more significant precipitation starting tomorrow morning. This storm precedes a high pressure ridge setting up on Tuesday bringing clear skies and cold arctic temperatures.

Snowpack Summary

10cm of new snow overlies a widespread surface hoar layer and facet layer. On steep south aspects this new snow sits on a surface hoar and sun crust layer. The November 12 surface hoar layer is down 40-100 cm. The snowpack has settled quite a bit in the last week and there's less than one meter of snow in most locations.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches yesterday.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Problems

Loose Dry

This new snow is sitting on good sliding surfaces like surface hoar or sun crust. Fast moving sluffs turning into loose avalanches may be easily triggered in steep terrain.

Avoid travelling on ledges and cliffs where sluffing may have severe consequences.Be aware of party members below you that may be exposed to your sluffs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

A surface hoar layer buried 40 to 100 cm has been observed throughout the Rogers Pass region. This layer is still within range of being triggered by a rider.

Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Dec 1st, 2013 8:00AM