Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 25th, 2014 8:13AM

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

ali haeri, Parks Canada

Glacier.

Another day with warmer temperatures and sunny skies up high. Manage your exposure on solar slopes.

Summary

Weather Forecast

High pressure ridge still maintaining stable dry air over the Province with associated temperature inversion and valley cloud. No precipitation is expected for the foreseeable future. Winds are expected to remain light from the South West. Cooling temperature trend beginning tomorrow.

Snowpack Summary

5 to 10cm of light snow sits on a myriad of surfaces. Below 2000m it buried a surface hoar layer. It sits over a sun crust on steep south aspects and wind slabs from tree line to the alpine. The mid-pack is well settled and the basal layers are showing a weaker structure.

Avalanche Summary

2 loose natural avalanches east of the Rogers Pass summit size 1.5 to 2.0

Confidence

Problems

Loose Wet

Temperatures at higher elevations are forecast to crest above 0 degrees today. Use caution on solar aspects as radiation intensifies.

Use caution above cliffs where small avalanches may have severe consequences.Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Cornices

Current conditions are ideally suited for increased cornice fall hazard. Be aware that although you may be on a shaded slope the cornice above may be getting baked in the sun.

Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Persistent Slabs

This layer has spotty distribution and will need a large load to trigger or can potentially be triggered from thin snowpack areas.

Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches due to the presence of buried surface hoar.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

3 - 4

Valid until: Jan 26th, 2014 8:00AM