Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 30th, 2015 8:00AM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Persistent Slabs.

Parks Canada andrew jones, Parks Canada

Move into big terrain with caution. Stability is improving but avalanche problems still linger.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A temperature inversion will trap clouds in the valleys today, with sunny periods up high. Slightly warmer temperatures today with an alpine high of -2.  A front moving north of Rogers Pass will bring up to 5cm of snow tonight with moderate W winds. High pressure and clear skies return Saturday before another frontal system arrives Sunday morning.

Snowpack Summary

A surface curst is breakable over dry snow up to 2400m. Outflow winds have created grabby surface conditions in the alpine.  The Jan15 surface hoar layer down 60-90cm is becoming more stubborn to trigger. The Dec 17 surface hoar/ crust complex is down 130-180cm. Large isolated cornices have formed.

Avalanche Summary

A small solar avalanche cycle yesterday afternoon released a size 2 on Avalanche Crest. Several small solar releases were observed on step S-SW aspects around exposed rocks and cliff areas.

Confidence

Problems

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs
Jan 15 layer is buried 60-100cm deep. This layer remains a concern due to large, poorly bonded surface hoar crystals.  As snow continues to settle, this layer will require larger triggers to initiate. Cornice failures could step down to deep layers.
Do not travel on slopes that are exposed to cornices overhead.Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Jan 31st, 2015 8:00AM