Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Field.
A warm and wet storm is coming Monday. Climbers should avoid all gully terrain in the Field and Mt. Stephen area as natural avalanches will be likely with the possibility of rain.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been reported or observed in the past 24 hours.
Snowpack Summary
A sun crust is present on steep solar slopes at treeline and below while 10-30 cm of soft snow can be found on northerly aspects. The various Jan PWL interfaces (sun crusts, facets, and surface hoar) are now down 40-80 cm. The weaker Nov. 16 basal facet layer is down 50-120 cm producing variable results in snowpack tests.
Weather Summary
20-30cm is expected Monday and Tuesday.
Monday: 20-30cm at upper elevations with 50km S/SW winds. Freezing levels rise to around 1500-1700m which will likely mean rain in this region. Ridgetop temperatures -5C.
Tuesday: Snow tapering and cooling temperatures throughout the day.
For a more detailed forecast click here.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Avoid terrain traps such as gullies and cliffs where the consequence of any avalanche could be serious.
Avalanche Problems
Loose Wet
Climbers take note freezing levels up to 1700m may mean rain for Mount Dennis and Mt. Stephen. This will likely mean an increase in natural activity in gullies.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.
Likelihood: Very Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Deep Persistent Slabs
Weaker facets and depth hoar remain at the bottom of the snowpack and inspire little confidence. Depending on how much snow we get Monday and Tuesday, this layer may become more reactive. Be especially cautious in thin or rocky areas, where triggering is more likely. Cornice failures or smaller avalanches may act as a trigger for this layer so careful consideration of the slopes above your head is wise.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1.5 - 3.5
Persistent Slabs
Three persistent weak layers formed in January are down 60-110 cm. Buried sun crusts on steep solar slopes present the greatest concern for triggering, however, weak facets and isolated surface hoar can be found on the same interfaces on shaded aspects. A few avalanches on these layers have been observed in the past week which could become more reactive with increased load.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood: Possible - Likely
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5