Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 16th, 2016–Dec 17th, 2016

Alpine

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Glacier.

Today is the last day of the deep freeze. Warmer temperatures and heavy snowfall are on the way. Avalanche hazard will rise!

Weather Forecast

Today is the last day the arctic high will dominate our weather. Today expect an alpine high of -21, 15kph Northerly winds and sunny skies. The high pressure will start breaking down Saturday as a series of deepening troughs move over the province bringing milder temperatures and up to 40cm of new snow by Tuesday.

Snowpack Summary

Moderate northerly winds over the last 48 hrs have blown recent new snow into thin variable surface slabs in the lee of ridges and alpine features. This new windslab buries previous hard wind slabs formed during the cold Arctic outbreak. In sheltered spots the top 20cm of the snowpack is mostly facetted and still unsettled due to very cold temps.

Avalanche Summary

There has been very little natural activity in the park over the last few days. Yesterday two parties had accidentally triggered fresh windslabs up to 20 cm deep in unsupported aggressive terrain. The forecasted new snow for the weekend will be a significant load on the weak snowpack, widespread avalanche activity is expected.

Confidence

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

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Fresh wind slabs are prevalent near ridge-crests or in alpine cross-loaded features and reactive where unsupported. The biggest concern with these would be cutting a small pocket and riding it over steep, unforgiving terrain.

Use caution above cliffs where small avalanches may have severe consequences.Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Loose Dry

Cold temperatures have facetted the surface snow. In sheltered steep terrain this light facetted snow has potential move quickly and knock a rider off their feet. Plan your run accordingly in steep, exposed spots or above terrain traps.

Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.On steep slopes, pull over periodically or cut into a new line to manage sluffing.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2