Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 5th, 2019 8:00AM

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

andrew jones, Parks Canada

Glacier.

100cm of storm snow is settling into a slab that is sensitive to human triggering. The best snow will be found below treeline in areas sheltered from winds.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A mix of sun and cloud today as we enter a brief break from snowfall. South winds gusting to 35kmh, freezing level at 1200m and an alpine high of -2. Flurries return to Rogers Pass tomorrow with up to 10cm of accumulation. Modest snowfall amounts are expected next week as a low pressure system crawls through the region.

Snowpack Summary

100cm of recently fallen storm snow is settling into a slab. Strong south winds have created heavily loaded pockets and isolated wind slabs on north aspects. Persistent weak layers from December are buried deep in the snowpack. An early season crust is decomposing at or near the ground.

Avalanche Summary

A natural avalanche cycle occurred with the arrival of strong south winds. Large avalanches were observed in the highway corridor and we received reports of natural avalanches in Connaught Creek. Grizzly peak and Frequent Flyer both ran to size 3.0 over the skin track into the creek. Audible avalanches here heard from Cheops North.

Confidence

Problems

Storm Slabs

Rapid loading and strong winds have created storm slabs. Slabs will be most developed near ridgelines and on lee features where wind loading has occurred. These slabs could certainly be triggered by human loads.

The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Loose Dry

The sun is expected to come out today and it may have enough strength to cause loose snow avalanches on steep solar aspects. With current conditions, these small sluffs may be enough to trigger larger storm snow avalanches.

Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

Aspects: South East, South, South West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 6th, 2019 8:00AM