Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 29th, 2014 8:00AM

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

chris gooliaff, Parks Canada

Glacier.

If snowfall amounts are greater than forecasted, expect fast sluffing and the danger rating to bump up in the alpine and tree-line.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A weak disturbance moves through the region today. Expect flurries today and tonight, amounting to 5cm. Freezing levels will remain at valley bottom and winds will be light from the west.

Snowpack Summary

A light dusting now covers sun crust on steep south and west aspects, and slightly softer snow on N and E slopes. Prior to this snow, widespread surface hoar was growing right to ridgetop. The mid-pack is well settled and strong, with weaker basal layers.

Avalanche Summary

Along the road, a few small slabs to size 2 were observed from steep start zones yesterday. In the backcountry, staff was able to ski-cut thin (5cm) hard slabs in wind affected areas in the alpine.

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Problems

Wind Slabs

Park staff were able to ski-cut small, hard wind slabs in steeper alpine and tree-line terrain yesterday. These pockets moved quickly on the underlying hard surface, and would be a concern in "no-fall" terrain, as they could sweep you over cliffs.

Consider doing the longer alpine ski tours while the ski penetration remains low.The stable avalanche conditions still require careful decision making.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 30th, 2014 8:00AM