Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 10th, 2017 8:05AM

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

percy woods, Parks Canada

Glacier.

Natural avalanche activity should taper today leaving slopes primed for human triggered avalanches. Avalanches have the potential to run full path.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Mainly cloudy with scattered flurries and accumulations to 5cm. Alpine temperature of -7C. Ridge winds SW 30km/h gusting to 65km/h. Temperatures should cool for Saturday with a trace of snow and continued moderate westerly winds.

Snowpack Summary

45cm+/- of storm snow at 1900m along with 10hrs moderate S'ly winds have formed touchy widespread storm slabs that, if triggered have the potential to run full path. Moderate SW winds should continue to transport storm snow throughout the day today. The storm snow will need time to settle and bond to old snow surfaces.

Avalanche Summary

Ongoing natural avalanche cycle that began yesterday and should continue into this morning. Avalanches to size 3 were reported in Cheops 4 path twice Thursday running to valley bottom. Frequent Flyer path ran across the normal Connaught Creek uptrack, and it will have reloaded overnight. Hwy avalanche control numerous slides to size 3.5.

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Problems

Storm Slabs

Widespread reactive storm slabs have formed. If triggered they have potential to run full path. Natural avalanche activity will taper off leaving slabs primed for human triggering.

Use conservative route selection, choose moderate angled and supported terrain with low consequence.New snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Dry

45cm storm snow in last 48hrs and another 5cm on the way. Expect to see loose dry avalanches occurring naturally in steep terrain. Even steep open lines below treeline will require some sluff management today.

Avoid travelling on ledges and cliffs where sluffing may have severe consequences.Be aware of party members below you that may be exposed to your sluffs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 11th, 2017 8:00AM