Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 10th, 2020 8:00AM

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

Parks Canada Kate Ryan, Parks Canada

Email

Glacier.

Heads up if the sun comes out today!Group management is key with loose dry avalanches running far and fast.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A trailing cold front will reach southern BC tomorrow, giving light precipitation to Rogers Pass.

Today: a mix of sun and cloud with light W winds. Daytime high -10C at treeline.

Tonight: flurries, 8cm precip. Temps steady at -10C, winds SW 30-50km/h.

Tuesday: cloudy with flurries, 4cm precip. with gusty winds up to 65km/h. Treeline temps -8C.

Snowpack Summary

Moderate to strong variable winds across the park yesterday redistributed this week's low density 40cm. Possible thin sun crust on steep SW aspects is down ~20cm. Below 1800m, the Feb 1 Melt-freeze crust is down 30cm and observed up to 10cm thick at 1300m. Expect rugged travel in treed areas below 1200m.

Avalanche Summary

Only one large (size 2.5) slab avalanche from Macdonald Gully 10 was observed yesterday, however poor visibility was obscuring observations above 1600m.

Saturday, numerous loose dry avalanches to size 1.5 were observed from steep features (>35 degrees) on all aspects and elevations.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Problems

Loose Dry

An icon showing Loose Dry

This week's low density snow has not yet consolidated. This new snow could run fast and far, especially on slopes where it overlies previous firm surfaces.

  • On steep slopes, pull over periodically or cut into a new line to manage sluffing.
  • Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Mod to strong winds the past 24 hrs have formed fresh slabs in immediate lees and cross-loaded terrain features in the alpine and in open treeline areas. Variable wind direction throughout the park- use caution as you transition aspect and elevation.

  • Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
  • Evaluate terrain features by digging and testing on adjacent, safe slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Valid until: Feb 11th, 2020 8:00AM

Join