Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 3rd, 2020 8:04AM

The alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Persistent Slabs.

Parks Canada mike smallwood, Parks Canada

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Glacier.

Strong winds, rising temperatures and new snow are all ingredients for large avalanches. Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain as hazard rises today.

Summary

Weather Forecast

More snow today accumulating to 10cm in addition to the 10 last night with strong SW winds and rising temperatures. Strong winds are forecast to continue into Saturday from the W with up to another 20cm of snow. Flurries continue into Sunday with wind dropping to moderate from the SW and temperatures falling again.

Snowpack Summary

50-70cm of storm snow now sits on the Dec 27th surface hoar. Strong S-SW winds are redistributing the storm snow to alpine lees and in exposed areas at treeline. The mid and lower snowpack has been settling and gaining strength but the Dec 11th surface hoar (5-12mm) still persists down 120-160cm.

Avalanche Summary

Several natural avalanches to size 3 yesterday and numerous natural and controlled avalanches New Year's Day up to size 3.5, all aspects and elevations.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Friday

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

60cm of storm snow this week have created slabs on all aspects. Rising temperatures today will increase reactivity. Strong SW winds will make for deeper slabs in alpine and treeline lees. Large paths have the potential to run below treeline.

  • If triggered the storm slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
  • Minimize overhead exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1.5 - 3

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs

Storm slabs have the potential to step down to the December 27th or 11th surface hoar. The 27th is down 60cm and the Dec 11th layer is now buried well over a meter.

  • If triggered the storm slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3.5

Valid until: Jan 4th, 2020 8:00AM

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