Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 6th, 2016 7:52AM

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

chris gooliaff, Parks Canada

Glacier.

Be cautious in alpine and tree-line elevations where winds have stiffened the surface into a slab.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Cold, calm, and a mix of sun with cloud for the next few days. The Arctic ridge has pushed into the region and dropped temp's to -20*C in the alpine. The next bit of snow is forecasted to arrive late Thursday with temp's warming slightly.

Snowpack Summary

Snowpack tests from yesterday up at Hermit and Fidelity found several weak layers within the 70-80cm of new storm snow producing mod to hard results. Old wind slab layers below the storm snow did react with hard results. The Nov 13 crust, down a metre is still not reacting to the new load in most tests.

Avalanche Summary

Several size 2 to 3 natural avalanches were observed from steep alpine terrain yesterday (Mt Macdonald, Camp West, Railroad Gunners). Most natural activity has tapered off with the cold temp's and calm winds, but this past weekend, widespread storm slabs were failing 50cm thick and running to near valley-bottom.

Confidence

Problems

Storm Slabs

Human triggered avalanches are likely in the new storm slab, which also sit on previous wind slabs. Combined, these two slabs could step down to the Nov 13 Crust, triggering a persistent slab.

If triggered the storm/wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Loose Dry

Sluffs have the potential to push a rider into a tree well or other terrain traps. With the recent arrival of 80cm of loose dry snow, sluff management will be essential for safe travel. Watch for others above and below you.

Watch for terrain traps where small amounts of snow will acumulate into deep deposits.Use caution above cliffs where small avalanches may have severe consequences.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 7th, 2016 8:00AM