Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 23rd, 2017 8:12AM

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

ross campbell, Parks Canada

Glacier.

Choose appropriate terrain today as the sun comes out. Even small avalanches can have severe consequences.

Summary

Weather Forecast

As the jet stream pushes south and a high pressure system sets up over us, we can expect sunny cool conditions with a convective flurry this afternoon. Winds are forecasted to reach 20km/ph from the west and an alpine high of -12 deg. For the weekend there is minimal precipitation forecasted with cool temps and light to moderate winds.

Snowpack Summary

Incremental snow fall amounts fell over the past few days totalling 10-20 cm. This new snow sits on a variety of surfaces depending on aspect, elevation and drainage. Near the Illecillewaet Glacier we observed a supportive crust to 1900m under the new snow, while on the west side of the park the crust was less prevalent and buried 35cm.

Avalanche Summary

Little in the way of natural avalanche activity was observed yesterday. In the highway corridor we only saw 1 size 2 avalanche, loose dry in nature and came out of steep solar facing terrain. Small sluffs were observed yesterday by field teams on steep north aspects at TL, running slow and stopping short.

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

Freshly formed soft wind slabs can be expected along the immediate lee of ridge lines and alpine cross winded features.

Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

A crust buried last Sunday could act as a bed surface, if slab properties are enabled with daytime heating on solar aspects. Loose dry avalanches are also possible.

Be increasingly cautious on sun exposed slopes.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Feb 24th, 2017 8:00AM