Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 23rd, 2013 8:07AM

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

ali haeri, Parks Canada

Glacier.

Avalanche hazard is on the rise, be prepared to readjust your plan today to more conservative terrain.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Pacific frontal system currently over the interior is bringing light to moderate amounts of snow with a rise in temperature. Ridge top winds are forecast to increase throughout the day from the west. Lingering flurries and partial clearing tomorrow. Another system is forecast to arrive on the 25th.

Snowpack Summary

25cm of recent storm snow. Mid-pack is comprised of settling storm snow and more facetted crystals lower down. The December 8 facet/surface hoar interface is down around 65-80cm, and the November 28 layer is now buried down around 90-105cm.

Avalanche Summary

5 loose natural avalanches yesterday in the highway corridor from size 1.5 to 2.0.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Problems

Storm Slabs

Snow load has been steadily increasing over the last few days. With rising temperatures, wind and more snow on the way, riders should expect to see snow slabbing up and becoming more reactive as the day progresses.

Whumpfing, shooting cracks and recent avalanches are all strong inicators of unstable snowpack.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

2 weak layers exist in the snowpack, these are down between 70 and 110cm. They could become reactive with this additional snow load having very large consequences if triggered.

Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches due to the presence of buried surface hoar.Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Dec 24th, 2013 8:00AM