Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 25th, 2016 8:19AM

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

ian gale, Parks Canada

Glacier.

http://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/scond/Cond_E.asp?oID=22583&oPark=100205 Be cautious of the effects of the sun on the new snow today! Continually reassess the snowpack for changes as you transition into different terrain.

Summary

Weather Forecast

The cooling trend continues today with no snow forecasted and clearing skies with cooler temps. Alpine highs of -8 and ridge top winds up to 15 kph are expected today. Tuesday another storm will reach the park bringing more precip.

Snowpack Summary

Evidence of wind loading in the alpine was observed, below treeline the new snow is settling into a reactive slab. Whumphing and cracking was also reported in sheltered locations with the suspect layer being the Jan 4th persistent weak layer.

Avalanche Summary

With the break in the weather yesterday, evidence of the large natural avalanche cycle during the storm was observed. Most of this activity was in the top 50-60 cm of the snowpack, but with wide propagation and some avalanches triggered deeper layers. We received reports of skier triggered avalanches within the new snow (down approx. 40) yesterday.

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations

Problems

Storm Slabs

The settling storm snow is still reactive to skier/riders weight below treeline. In the Alpine windslab has formed from moderate s'rly winds. With sunny periods forecast today expect the new snow to be more reactive with the sudden solar warming.

Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, and shooting cracks.Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

The January 4th interface is getting deep enough in the snowpack to be less reactive to skier loads. If storm slabs are triggered the load may be sufficient to wake the Jan 4th up.

Carefully evaluate and use caution around thin snowpack areas.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Jan 26th, 2016 8:00AM