Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 1st, 2016 8:07AM

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

ian gale, Parks Canada

Glacier.

Be observant to the affect of the warm temps and sun today in the alpine today. Use caution in terrain where even a small avalanche could have high consequences.

Summary

Weather Forecast

The dry spell due to a high pressure continues. Models show a significant temperature inversion inplace today with alpine temps above 0 while the valley bottoms will stay chilly at -10. Ridge top wind will be N'ly 20-30kphKeep in mind it's early winter and it gets dark early! Factor extra time into your day to be back at the parking lot before dark

Snowpack Summary

Cold temps in the valley bottoms are preserving last weeks snow and causing surface hoar growth and surface facetting. 15-25cm of lower density snow sits on a well settled mid pack. Moderate ridge top winds and stronger localized downflow has loaded alpine features with thin wind-slab and created a variety of wind affected surfaces lower down.

Avalanche Summary

Yesterday there was evidence of loose, solar triggered avalanches. They were up to size 2 and were occurring from steep, rocky terrain exposed to the sun. This week we have also had two skier triggered avalanches from high alpine terrain features, both were sz 1.5 windslabs. There have also been glide crack releases observed below treeline.

Confidence

Problems

Loose Dry

With Alpine temps forecasted to reach zero today, the sun will have a greater effect on the snowpack. Expect solar triggered avalanches from steep solar aspects, especially around rocks and cliffs. Expect sluffing from steep slopes on your descent.

On steep slopes, pull over periodically or cut into a new line to manage sluffing.Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wind Slabs

Thin windslabs exist in immediate lee of some alpine features. Keep them in mind if you venture into more aggressive terrain where getting pushed around by a small slide could have serious consequences.

Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 2nd, 2016 8:00AM