Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 2nd, 2015 8:00AM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Persistent Slabs.

ali haeri, Parks Canada

Glacier.

Adjust your backcountry objectives to be more conservative as a new weak layer is buried deeper.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Continued snowfall is expected for the central Interior into mid-day Tuesday with amounts ranging between 10-20cm. Freezing levels are to remain steady at ~1000m. Moderate to strong higher elevation winds will peak tonight from the southwest and taper off through tomorrow. A weak ridge of high pressure will break this system up on Wednesday.

Snowpack Summary

The Jan 30 surface hoar/crust layer is down 30-35cm below recent storm snow. The crust reaches to 2200m above which it becomes firm wind pressed snow. The Jan 15 surface hoar layer is down 60-100cm. The Dec 17 surface hoar/ crust complex is down 140-190cm.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed yesterday.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Problems

Storm Slabs

Soft slabs will be more prevalent today due to steadier overnight winds. ~35cm sits on a firm, smooth layer providing a good surface for avalanches to slide on. Exercise extra caution near ridge crests or cross loaded terrain features.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

The mid January surface hoar layer is buried 60-100cm deep. Getting this layer to fail will be difficult but triggering it from shallow areas or from heavy loads such as a cornice fall remains possible.

Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Feb 3rd, 2015 8:00AM