Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 27th, 2014 8:00AM

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

Parks Canada chris gooliaff, Parks Canada

Patience, and in time, you will be rewarded. Give the surface slab a little more time to bond to the underlying weakness.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A cloudy day is forecasted for the region today, with light to moderate west winds in the alpine and nil precipitation. Freezing levels may reach 1500m today, but there won't be the same kind of punch to the sun as yesterday. Friday, and into the weekend, will see clearing and cooler temperatures in the area, with low's reaching into the -20's.

Snowpack Summary

1-1.4m of storm snow has settled into a cohesive slab over the Jan 28/22 facet/surface hoar/crust interface. Tests suggest this weak layer is difficult to trigger and gaining strength, but if failed has high propagation propensity. Below this the snowpack is well settled. A surface sun crust has been found on steeper south and west aspects.

Avalanche Summary

Numerous avalanches from size 1.5-2.5 were observed from steep, southerly aspects yesterday along the highway corridor.

Confidence

Problems

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs
The 1-1.5m slab overlying the Feb 10th weak layer is slowly bonding to this interface, but is still reactive in tests. This problem requires good terrain management, such as avoiding large convexities and sticking to supported features.
Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches due to the presence of buried surface hoar.Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Cornices

An icon showing Cornices
Cornices are a definite concern, given their size and mass. If they were to fail, they could be the big trigger to initiate an avalanche in the deeper layers.
Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices.Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Feb 28th, 2014 8:00AM