Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 16th, 2019 8:02AM

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

Parks Canada chris gooliaff, Parks Canada

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Glacier.

Southerly winds overnight will have created slabs in the alpine. Expect rising danger during the day with increased winds, snowfall, and milder temps.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Mainly cloudy with flurries today. 5cm forecast today, with moderate SW winds, -11*C in the alpine. Tonight and tomorrow brings 15cm, moderate to strong SW winds, and warmer temps (-6*C in alpine). Wed brings a mix of sun/cloud, trace snow, and continued moderate SW winds.

Snowpack Summary

20+ cm of new snow now buries the Dec 11 surface hoar layer. Moderate S'ly winds are building pockets of soft storm slab in the Alpine. The Nov 23rd surface hoar/crust/facet combo is down +/-100cm (SH is most prevalent in sheltered treeline locations) but has become increasingly stubborn in testing. The mid-lower snowpack is settled and strong.

Avalanche Summary

Isolated natural avalanche activity was noted on the Macdonald gullies yesterday. Suspect with the increased S'ly winds overnight that natural activity has increased from steep N aspects (Macdonald gullies and Cheops). A skier-controlled sz 1.5 in loose, unconsolidated snow from a N aspect was observed in the Sir Donald area yesterday.

Confidence

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs

Up to 20 cm of new snow since Dec 11th with light to moderate southerly wind. Expect reactive pockets of storm slab in wind exposed features.

  • Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.
  • Watch for fresh storm slabs on exposed lee slopes at and above treeline.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Dry

An icon showing Loose Dry

Surface snow will be prone to sluffing, especially on steep, unsupported aspects.

  • Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain, particularly where the debris flows into terrain traps.
  • Use caution above cliffs where small avalanches may have severe consequences.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 17th, 2019 8:00AM

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