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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 23rd, 2014–Feb 24th, 2014
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Glacier.

http://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/scond/Cond_E.asp?oID=15974&oPark=100205 Watch for avalanches triggered from hot spots like rocks and trees, if the sun stays out this afternoon.

Weather Forecast

A strong, arctic ridge of high pressure dominates the region until Wednesday.  A mix of sun and cloud are forecast today with alpine temperatures around -13 and light ridge top winds.  A similar day tomorrow with slightly warmer temperatures.  On Tuesday freezing levels will rise, with alpine temperatures forecast to reach -4.

Snowpack Summary

1-1.4m of storm snow is settling into a cohesive slab over the Jan 28/22 facet/surface hoar/crust interface. Snowpack tests suggests this weak layer is difficult to trigger, but if failed has high propagation propensity. In addition, layers in the top 60cm of the storm slab are reactive and if triggered will likely step down to the Jan 28/22.

Avalanche Summary

Yesterday a few natural avalanches were observed along the highway corridor size 2.5 to 3. A fresh size 2.5 avalanche was observed yesterday around noon behind the Asulkan Hut. Less obvious signs of instability cracking, recent avalanches activity and whumphing are being observed while traveling but the buried weak layers remain reactive.

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations

Avalanche Problems

Persistent Slabs

A strong slab overlies a very weak layer buried down 1-1.5m. The snowpack now demands your respect, if you trigger this layer a large, high consequence avalanche will result.  Use caution in shallow snowpacks, where triggering is more likely.
Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches due to the presence of buried surface hoar.Use conservative route selection, choose moderate angled and supported terrain with low consequence.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 4

Wind Slabs

Use caution as you transition into exposed terrain.  Triggerable wind slabs may be present on lee features.  If triggered these slabs may step down to trigger deeper instabilities.
Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Cornices

Large cornices exist along ridges, and may fail with fluctuating temperatures and sunny periods. These are heavy triggers that could initiate BIG avalanches.
Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices.Do not travel on slopes that are exposed to cornices overhead.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 4