Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 10th, 2016 8:11AM

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

ian gale, Parks Canada

Glacier.

Alpine temps remained above zero overnight. Be wary of South and West facing slopes especially if the sun pokes out

Summary

Weather Forecast

Today is forecast to be mainly cloudy with isolated flurries. Alpine temps will reach zero and ridgetop wind will be SW 25-40. 6 cms of snow are forecasted for tonight with up to 20 by Saturday. Thankfully freezing levels are coming down to 1800m today but won't drop lower than this until the weekend. .

Snowpack Summary

With yesterdays inversion and warm temps the surface of the snow became moist above 1500m on all but north facing alpine slopes. Once the sun went down the moist snow turned into a thick crust. Windslabs exist up high however they are becoming more stubborn. The Jan 4th is down 90-130 and was still producing sporadic sudden planar results.

Avalanche Summary

Natural avalanche activity should taper off today with the freezing level dropping. However temps remained above zero in the alpine overnight and with a nudge from solar input we could see southerly aspects producing avalanches

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain

Problems

Storm Slabs

Recent storm snow and wind deposits are settling rapidly over a layer of lower density decomposing precipitation particles. With alpine temps above zero overnight this slab could become more reactive.

Avoid areas with overhead hazard.Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Wet

With alpine temps inverted and staying above zero overnight expect to see moist surface snow in the alpine and a treeline. if the sun comes out expect loose/wet avalanches from rocky areas & cliffs or South facing slopes.

Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

The Jan 4 persistent weak layer now buried around 100cm dn is still sporadically failing in snowpack stability tests. If this layer awakens the result would be large and destructive.

Be aware of the potential for wide propagations.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Feb 11th, 2016 8:00AM