Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 16th, 2019 8:00AM

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

Parks Canada mark herbison, Parks Canada

The temperature inversion is dissipating and the return of sub-zero alpine temperatures is here.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A mix of sun and cloud for the day with a chance of isolated snow flurries with an alpine high of -6, light ridge top winds and a freezing level rising to 1300m. Snow starting on Friday with accumulations up to 20cm by Saturday evening accompanied by 30-60kph SW winds.

Snowpack Summary

A temperature inversion has promoted snow settlement at tree-line and alpine elevations. A crust has developed on steep solar aspects, while surface hoar has been observed up to 20mm in sheltered areas. The Jan 2 freezing rain crust is down ~90cm while the Nov 21 interface is down ~180cm.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed in the last two days. Frequent Flyer left debris across the skin-track up Connaught Creek on Sunday during a sun-induced natural avalanche cycle, while numerous slab and loose avalanches to size 3 were observed on Sunday in the highway corridor.

Confidence

Problems

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs
The likelihood of triggering this layer is low but the consequences are high, as the result would be a large destructive avalanche. Watch for thin areas or convexities in the snowpack where human triggering is possible.
Carefully evaluate big terrain features by digging and testing on adjacent, safe slopes.Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could easily trigger persistent slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2.5 - 3.5

Valid until: Jan 17th, 2019 8:00AM