Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 9th, 2013 8:06AM

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

Sylvia Forest, Parks Canada

Glacier.

Today is a good day for conservative trips away from avalanche terrain. Big mature timber may be the place to be, but watch for unconsolidated tree wells.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Heavy precipitation, strong to extreme winds, and warming temperatures are in store today, pushing the avalanche danger into the high range. On Thursday, a cold northern air mass is expected to dry things out, and should stay dry and cold for Friday.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 70 cm of storm snow overlies a weak layer of buried surface hoar and facets. This layer is best developed between 1500 and 2000 meters, but exists at all elevations. The mid-pack is well settled and the Nov 6 crust can still be found about 30cm above the ground.

Avalanche Summary

A widespread avalanche cycle was observed along the highway corridor yesterday in storm snow. Avalanches were up to size 3, and many ran into the fans. Although we received few reports of natural activity in the backcountry, it is likely that most steep paths produced avalanches in the past 24 hours. Notables include "Frequent Flyer".

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations

Problems

Storm Slabs

Up to 65cm of storm snow lies on a weak interface of surface hoar and sun crust. These layers are very reactive to skier triggering. A widespread avalanche cycle occurred overnight, and avalanche control is planned for today.

Avoid all avalanche terrain.Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended with current conditions.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Wind Slabs

Higher elevations saw strong overnight winds (up to 70 kph) creating wind slabs over buried weak layers.

The recent snow may now be hiding windslabs that were easily visible before the snow fell.Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Jan 10th, 2013 8:00AM