Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Feb 9th, 2014 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Deep Persistent Slabs.
garth lemke,
Parks Canada
If precipitation amounts exceed expectations on Tuesday and Wednesday, hazard rating will incrementally increase especially with winds.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Weather models are not agreeing with precipitation amounts this week. Some say a trace Monday to Wednesday while others say 15cm on Monday, 15-20 on Tuesday, and 10-15 on Wednesday. Maybe locally at the Icefields. I expect lesser precipitation amounts for our region as the variables don't appear to be lining up.
Snowpack Summary
Surface facetting and surface hoar continues to form with the cold temps. A Hard mid-pack is providing bridging strength over the weak basal facet layer at tree line and above. Below treeline where the snowpack exceeds 70cm, it has a supportive mid-pack.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches reported Sunday. An avalanche patrol down Highway 93 on Friday observed several size 1.5 slab avalanches in the alpine on reverse loaded features likely from the previous three days. Similar observations were seen in the Maligne valley as well. No patrol occurred on Saturday.
Confidence
Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Tuesday
Problems
Deep Persistent Slabs
This layer may become reactive if there is a sudden temperature warming through the day.
Carefully evaluate and use caution around thin snowpack areas.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Feb 10th, 2014 4:00PM
