Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 16th, 2016 8:00AM

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

Parks Canada ian gale, Parks Canada

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

Summary

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

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing 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

An icon showing 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

Valid until: Dec 17th, 2016 8:00AM