Summary
Travel & Terrain Advice
Be aware of overhead hazard. Large or very large avalanches initiated in the alpine may have the potential to affect lower elevations. Avoid travel above or below cornices, or the slopes that they may affect. Small loose wet avalanches may have increased consequence when associated with terrain traps. Collapsing snow and creek immersions are a concern below treeline.
Avalanche Summary
Mostly small loose wet avalanches observed and reported over the forecast period. One size 2 natural slab avalanche observed in the alpine of eastern Strathcona Park. The slab was initiated below a cornice feature/alpine ridge on a north aspect above 1800 m.
Snowpack Summary
Recent storm snow has been rained on or melted by the sun during the forecast period. Sun and rain cups dominate the snow surface below 1600 m.
Snowpack Details
Surface: 20-80 cm of moist snow dependent on elevation. Upper: moist. Mid: Old crust layers settling and bonding well. Lower: well settled.
Past Weather
Minimal precipitation, warm/rising temperatures and freezing levels with easing southerly winds.
Weather Forecast
MONDAY: 0-3 mm of precipitation with freezing levels to 2800 m. Light SE winds. TUESDAY: Minimal precipitation with freezing levels dropping to 1700 m. Light SE winds. WEDNESDAY: 3-10 mm of precipitation, higher totals in the south. Freezing levels around 1100 m.
Problems
Loose Wet
Sustained positive temperatures and sun affect will create moist and wet snow with very little cohesion. Expect snow to fall off rocks, trees, or anything else inclined during the height of heat. All aspects and elevations will be affected.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Cornices
Large fragile cornices will become very weak during periods of high heat. Most cornices have formed in the alpine or on alpine-like features in the treeline on northerly aspects. Large cornice pieces could have the potential to injure and could trigger deeper weak layers.
Aspects: North, North East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 16th, 2019 5:00PM
