Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 5th, 2019 4:00PM

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

Parks Canada stephen holeczi, Parks Canada

Natural activity has tapered, but human triggered avalanches remain likely.

Summary

Weather Forecast

5cm of snow tomorrow with moderate SW winds.  Temperature will start to drop slowly in the afternoon.  There will be a benign weather pattern for the start of the week. 

Snowpack Summary

Up to 70 cm of storm snow with variable wind effect has put a large load over the persistent weak layers. The Dec.10th weak layer of facets and surface hoar is now down 100-150 m with a stronger snowpack below.

Avalanche Summary

An avalanche cycle from the past 48 hours as well as avalanche control today produced slides up to size 3.5 with some running full path. The natural activity has tapered, but slopes remain primed for human triggering.

Confidence

Problems

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs
The Dec. 10th layer of facets & surface hoar down is now down 100- 150cm The snow pack needs time to adjust, be very conservative with route choices this weekend and avoid overhead exposure.
Be aware of the potential for wide propagations which could result in large avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3.5

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
Up to 70 cm of storm snow has formed storm slabs at all elevations. These will likely be a problem only in the short term, but should be treated with caution. Many of these have also been failing at lower elevations in Little Yoho.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Jan 6th, 2019 4:00PM