Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 21st, 2014 8:00AM

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

ali haeri, Parks Canada

Glacier.

If the sun comes out watch your exposure to the overhead cornice hazard.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Ridge of high pressure will maintain its stranglehold over the interior despite a slight disturbance tomorrow bringing light snow and overcast skies. Mostly cloudy today with light south westerly winds and a temperature inversion. This pulse will pass by Thursday returning clear and dry conditions for the foreseeable future.

Snowpack Summary

Upper 20cm is wind affected at tree line and alpine elevations on all aspects over a well settled mid pack. The Nov. surface hoar has spotty distribution and down 180cm. The basal layers are more facetted and generally weaker than the rest of the snowpack. Expect a sun crust on steep south aspects as well as a rain crust below 1300m

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity yesterday.

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

Last weeks storm left us with widespread winds slabs up high. They have been largely unreactive to rider testing however areas they could be triggered are on steep unsupported slopes, slopes nearing ridge crests or on convex rolls.

Watch for areas of hard wind slab in steep alpine features.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

The November persistent weak layer will need a large load to be triggered (i.e. cornice fall). Its distribution is waning but sill lingers in isolated spots.

Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches due to the presence of buried surface hoar.Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

3 - 4

Valid until: Jan 22nd, 2014 8:00AM