Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 28th, 2012 8:01AM

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

Parks Canada catherine brown, Parks Canada

Be aware of large cornices, glide cracks and thin snow bridges on glaciers.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Cloudy skies with very light snow is forecast for the park today.  Temperatures will rise over the next couple days. Light precipitation is expected to continue on Saturday with a dry day forecast for Sunday.

Snowpack Summary

Light new snow covers a layer of surface hoar down 10 - 15 cm.  Surface hoar was observed between 1400 - 1900 meters, largest in areas sheltered from the wind. Isolated pockets of wind slab may also have been covered. These persist on wind exposed slopes, and lee slopes near ridge crests. The mid-pack remains strong and well-settled.

Avalanche Summary

Yesterday we observed two natural avalanches out of steep terrain east of Rogers Pass.  A small avalanche cycle occurred on Wednesday, likely from overnight winds on Dec. 25. Skiers are reporting fast moving surface sluffing in low density HN and faceted snow in the upper pack.

Confidence

Due to the number and quality of field observations

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Isolated pockets of wind slab can still be found in specific locations near ridge crests and gully features.
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Stay well to the windward side of corniced ridges.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Dry

An icon showing Loose Dry
You will likely trigger fast moving sluffs in steep terrain today. Even small sluffs can turn into a greater hazard in steep terrain, especially to parties below you.
Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 29th, 2012 8:00AM