Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 14th, 2016 7:42AM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
chris gooliaff,
Parks Canada
Avalanches can occur, especially in extreme terrain, even though the danger rating is low. Have a look at our recent profiles to help you interpret the snowpack in Glacier National Park.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Plenty of sunshine today, with alpine highs around -13*C and light SE winds. Temperatures will drop on Thursday and then be their coldest on Friday. With no snow in the forecast until possibly Sunday, this Arctic Ridge has effectively blocked any moisture coming from the Pacific Ocean.
Snowpack Summary
Light snow over the weekend has hidden widespread hard wind slabs formed during the cold Arctic outbreak. Wind accompanying the new snow has formed thin surface slabs in the immediate lee of ridges and alpine features. Recent snowpack tests indicate both of these slabs are stubborn to initiate and move slowly if propagated.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanche activity observed in the highway corridor in the last 72hrs, including during artillery explosive testing yesterday on Mt Macdonald.
Confidence
Problems
Wind Slabs
Hard wind slabs are prevalent near ridge-crests or in alpine cross-loaded features. The biggest concern with these hard slabs would be cutting a small pocket and riding it over steep, unforgiving terrain.
The recent snow may now be hiding windslabs that were easily visible before the snow fell.Use caution above cliffs where small avalanches may have severe consequences.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 15th, 2016 8:00AM
