Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 19th, 2016 8:14AM

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

Parks Canada ian gale, Parks Canada

Overall avalanche danger is decreasing but human triggered avalanches are still possible!  Be observant for slab formation and reassess conditions if you're approaching large open slopes or convex rolls.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Light accumulations of snow are forecasted for today(1-2cm of snow) with a mix of sun and clouds.  The alpine will reach a high of -3, ridge top wind will be S 10-30 kph and freezing level will get up to 1500m    A storm tonight should bring an additional 5-10cm

Snowpack Summary

In the alpine up to 50cm of new snow sits on the January 4th interface. This interface is surface hoar in protected areas, sun crust on steep S - SW aspects & facets at tree-line and below. Where wind-affected, soft slabs have formed in lee features and at lower elevations settlement is promoting slab development.

Avalanche Summary

Yesterday a natural avalanche cycle was observed in the in the highway corridor. These avalanches were up to sz 2.5 and came out of very steep unsupported terrain involving only the recent storm snow. Backcountry reports also came in of sluffing in steep shallow snowpack areas.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Thursday

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
Slabs continue to develop as warm temps, wind and settlement turn the upper 50cm into a cohesive layer. Below treeline the recent storm snow was easily triggered in stab tests on surface hoar.  Soft slabs are present in alpine areas exposed to wind.
Use caution on open slopes and convex rolls at treeline where buried surface hoar may be preserved.Use caution in lee areas. Wind loading could create slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Jan 20th, 2016 8:00AM