Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 15th, 2014 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 Persistent Slabs.

ali haeri, Parks Canada

Glacier.

Remember that moderate hazard still requires careful evaluation of snow and terrain.Get above the valley fog and enjoy the sunshine while it lasts!

Summary

Weather Forecast

High pressure ridge will persist today into Tuesday. Some valley fog, clear skies above it, cool temperatures and light alpine winds will be the main course for today. A weak disturbance will pass over the Province bringing cloud, light snow and warmer temperatures midday tomorrow

Snowpack Summary

Rain crust to 2100m. Above 2100m the upper snowpack is settling storm snow that is beginning to facet with the cold temperatures. Surface hoar growing at this time to 6mm. Snowpack tests yesterday on Bruins Ridge, east aspect produced hard sudden planar results down 25 and 50cm. Well settled mid-pack with 30cm crust/facet basal weakness (Nov 9).

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed yesterday.

Confidence

Due to the quality of field observations

Problems

Storm Slabs

Moderate to hard sudden planar test results down 25cm and 50cm were observed yesterday from the field team on Bruins Ridge. Because of this we will keep this as a concern for a little longer.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

There is a weakness at the bottom of the snowpack in some areas throughout the Park from the November crust. Although it is difficult to trigger it should not be discounted. Large loads, like a cornice fall or triggering from a thin spot might do it

Cornices become weak with daytime heating. Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Dec 16th, 2014 8:00AM