Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 20th, 2015 8:00AM

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

percy woods, Parks Canada

Glacier.

Watch for fresh windloading and storm slab development on lee slope terrain features.

Summary

Weather Forecast

10cm of storm snow expected today accompanied by moderate SW winds. Another 5cm is forecast to fall tonight through tomorrow.

Snowpack Summary

20cm+ of low density storm snow have fallen over the last 72hrs with another 10cm expected today. A large amount of snow is available for wind transport with moderate SW winds expected to kick in mid morning today. 80cm+ settled snow sits on top of the Dec 2nd interface which consists of SH below treeline and suncrust on steep solar aspects.

Avalanche Summary

Six size 2-2.5 slab avalanches observed out of steep N facing terrain just east of Rogers Pass. These slabs initiated in the storm snow.

Confidence

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

Problems

Wind Slabs

Moderate S-SW winds are forecast by mid morning this morning. Expect freshly formed windslab on alpine lee features and treeline ridges as moderate winds transport low density storm snow.

Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.Avoid freshly wind loaded features.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

80cm+ of settled snow sits on top of the Dec 2nd interface. This interface consists of surface hoar at and below treeline and suncrust on steeper solar aspects in the alpine.

Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.Avoid open slopes and convex rolls at and below treeline where buried surface hoar may be preserved.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 21st, 2015 8:00AM