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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 19th, 2014–Jan 20th, 2014
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Glacier.

http://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/scond/Cond_E.asp?oID=15693&oPark=100205

Weather Forecast

A ridge of high pressure will remain in place for the foreseeable future.  For the next three days expect alpine temperatures just below zero, with light ridge top winds and no precipitation.

Snowpack Summary

Over 1m of new snow from the last week is settling. It sits on a surface hoar/graupel layer. Strong SW winds have formed slabs in exposed terrain at all elevations. Expect to find a solar crust on steep SW/W aspects and a supportive rain crust below 1300m. The mid pack is well settled with the Nov28 surface hoar layer down around 2m where present.

Avalanche Summary

Avalanche control yesterday produced several size 1-1.5 avalanches in alpine terrain. 1 size 2 natural avalanche was observed from steep north facing terrain effecting the highway. All of these avalanches were east of Rogers Pass. Click on https://www.facebook.com/ParksMountainSafety to see images of the latest avalanche cycle this past Monday.

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs have formed from moderate to strong winds.  It is possible a rider could trigger these hard, dense snow deposits.  Be cautious in areas where even a small avalanche can have large consequences, i.e. around cliffs.
Watch for areas of hard wind slab in steep alpine features.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

A weak layer buried down over 2 m will require a large trigger to fail.  Limit your exposure to cornices.  A cornice fall could be just the right trigger to fail this weak layer.
Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches due to the presence of buried surface hoar.Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely

Expected Size: 3 - 4