Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 16th, 2016 8:06AM

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

chris gooliaff, Parks Canada

Glacier.

Lower your expectations with the touchy slabs out there. There were 3 human-triggered avalanches yesterday, and 1 on Sunday injured a person.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A brief lull in the storm today, but some convective cells will likely bring scattered flurries between short glimpses of sun. Winds will back down today as well. Freezing levels are expected to stay near 1100m, then drop to 400m tomorrow morning. A minor storm tracks through Wednesday, with ~10cm of snow, mod SW winds, and rising temps.

Snowpack Summary

15cm of snow overnight brings the storm total to approximately 85cm since Feb 10. Wind slab development has been widespread in the Rogers Pass area, with strong S-SW winds redistributing the storm snow into lee areas and creating a reactive slab. On solar aspects this slab sits on a crust. Below 1600m, expect to see heavy, moist snow.

Avalanche Summary

3 separate human-triggered avalanches yesterday, 2 up the Asulkan Brook area and 1 up Connaught. All were around 2000-2200m, 35+ degrees, and on unsupported terrain. Sunday afternoon saw a skier-triggered avalanche on Avalanche Crest hit 2 skiers, partially burying them and injuring one person. Avalanche control this a.m. is producing to sz 3.5.

Confidence

Problems

Storm Slabs

Skiers/boarders were triggering the storm slab yesterday. With an additional 15cm overnight and strong winds, this slab now packs a little more punch.

Choose conservative lines and watch for clues of instability.The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Wind Slabs

Strong winds have created windslabs in alpine and treeline areas. Keep your eyes open for windslab.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Feb 17th, 2016 8:00AM