Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 6th, 2016 8:17AM

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

percy woods, Parks Canada

Glacier.

A natural avalanche cycle is occurring today. Minimize exposure to avalanche terrain.

Summary

Weather Forecast

The current storm should pass this morning however gusty moderate S-SW winds are forecast to continue into tomorrow. Freezing levels up to 1000m today and up to 1200m tomorrow along with isolated flurries.

Snowpack Summary

The storm continues this morning with 30cm+ along with moderate to strong S-SW winds and warming temperatures. Fresh fragile windslabs have formed and a natural avalanche cycle is occurring as these slabs overload the weak old snow surface. Sluffing of loose snow can be expected in steep terrain. The Jan 4 interface down 70-110cm remains a concern.

Avalanche Summary

Yesterday afternoon a natural avalanche cycle began with slides up to size 3 observed. The natural avalanche cycle continues today with overloading of the old snow interface from precipitation and S-SW wind loading. Highway avalanche control is currently in progress.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Problems

Wind Slabs

Freshly formed windslabs should be expected on alpine and treeline lee slopes. These slabs will be fragile and sensitive to human and natural triggers.

Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, and shooting cracks.Minimize overhead exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Storm Slabs

50cm of storm snow is settling into a slab with mild temps, added precip and wind. Field trip to Lookout notch yesterday confirmed this with upside down feeling snow along with cracking of the surface layer.

Good day to make conservative terrain choices.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

The Jan 4th layer is a lingering concern down 80-120cm in the snowpack. it is not evenly distributed and is sporadically reactive. Added load of storm slabs or cornice fall when triggered may provide sufficient load to wake this layer up.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Feb 7th, 2016 8:00AM