Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 31st, 2015 8:10AM

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

Parks Canada Lydia Marmont, Parks Canada

Keep your eyes out for wind affected areas where the new snow has formed wind slab.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Today will be dry with a mix of sun and clouds. Tomorrow we will start to feel the effects of a deep low in the Gulf of Alaska with snowfall beginning Sunday morning and up to 30cm of snow expected by Tuesday. Freezing levels should stay around 1000m with moderate to strong SW ridgetop winds. A short lived high pressure will build again on Tuesday.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 20 cm of snow with mostly light south winds overnight has buried the January 30 crust which can be found up to 2400m. Surface hoar was found on the crust and just below it the snow has become weak and faceted. The Jan15 surface hoar layer down 60-90cm and is more stubborn to trigger. The Dec 17 surface hoar/ crust complex is down 130-180cm.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches were observed yesterday, but small cycles have been occurring on steep S-SW aspects around exposed rocks and cliff areas during warm sunny periods in the past few days.

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Saturday

Problems

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs
Jan 15 layer is buried 60-100cm deep. This layer remains a concern due to surface hoar crystals. As snow continues to settle, this layer will require larger triggers to initiate. This layer could be triggered by heavy loads or from shallow areas.
Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Loose Dry

An icon showing Loose Dry
Expect widespread sluffing on the crust. Watch for pockets of slab over this layer especially from last nights SW winds .
Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.Avoid freshly wind loaded features.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 1st, 2015 8:00AM