Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 6th, 2019 8:00AM

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

Chris Gooliaff, Parks Canada

Glacier.

Storm slabs are still sensitive to human triggering, especially in immediate lee features. Stick to areas with little wind-effect to enjoy the bountiful powder.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Flurries today should bring 5-10cm, along with moderate SW winds and freezing levels rising to 1300m. Monday and Tuesday will bring scattered flurries, moderate SW winds, and cooler temp's (freezing level at 600m).

Snowpack Summary

100cm of recently fallen storm snow is settling into a slab. Strong south winds have created heavily loaded pockets and isolated wind slabs on north aspects, as well as large cornices along ridge-tops. Persistent weak layers from December are buried deep in the snowpack. An early season crust is decomposing at or near the ground.

Avalanche Summary

Natural activity has tapered from the storm cycle, with several sz 2-3 slabs observed yesterday from steep alpine start-zones on Tupper and the north side of Macdonald. Good visibility yesterday confirmed a widespread cycle in the backcountry, with highlights including sz 3's from Grizzly Gully and Frequent Flyer into the creek.

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations

Problems

Storm Slabs

Rapid loading and strong winds have created storm slabs. Slabs will be most developed near ridgelines and on lee features where wind loading has occurred. These slabs may be triggered by human loads.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.If triggered the storm/wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Cornices

Strong winds, warm temps, and over a 100cm of snow in the last week has allowed cornices along ridge-tops to grow. Minimize time underneath these hulking beasts, and give them a wide berth if you are traveling along a ridgecrest.

Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could easily trigger persistent slabs.Stay well back from cornices.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3.5

Valid until: Jan 7th, 2019 8:00AM