Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 3rd, 2017 8:03AM

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

Parks Canada dean flick, Parks Canada

Sunny skies may provide temptation to go for bigger objectives but caution is necessary - cold temperatures and reverse loading from northerly winds require diligent decision-making.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Sunny but cold today, alpine temperatures will be around -20C. Ridge winds northeast 10-20 km/h. Be prepared for the unexpected - carry extra warm clothes and plan to be out well before dark. By Thursday clouds will move in, bringing milder temps and some snow.

Snowpack Summary

Mod to strong northerly winds from the last few days have formed wind slabs below ridge crests (reverse loading), although older wind slabs on northerly aspects are still present. The Dec 18 facet layer is down 80cm and the Nov 13 crust is down 1.5 - 2 metres.

Avalanche Summary

Yesterday, four size 1.5 wind slab avalanches were observed in Glacier Park; three on the west aspect of Avalanche Crest and one on a north aspect triggered by a cornice. Of note at a nearby touring operation, two size 3.0 avalanches on a south aspect that initially started as wind slab avalanches, stepped down to the mid November layer.

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
There is continued potential for skiers/boarders to trigger wind slabs in exposed areas at treeline/alpine elevations. These may step down to persistent weak layers. Fresh wind slabs on southerly aspects appear to be more reactive.
Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, and shooting cracks.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Jan 4th, 2017 8:00AM