Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 15th, 2016 8:09AM

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

jon schleiss, Parks Canada

Glacier.

Strong winds and recent heavy snowfall are causing the hazard to rise. This is a good time to exercise caution and good judgement. Be Careful.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Today sunny with cloudy periods and some light flurries, and snow beginning tonight with up to 15cm overnight and winds gusting to strong values. A short lul on Tuesday will be followed by a series of snow days with rising freeze lines and continued moderate to strong gusty winds.

Snowpack Summary

25cm of snow overnight brings the storm total to approximately 75cm since Feb 10. Strong southerly winds persisted over the last several days, loading lee areas and creating a reactive slab. On solar aspects this slab sits on a crust. Wind slabs on most aspects in the alpine and tree-line and may be concealed by new snow. Moist snow below 1700m.

Avalanche Summary

Numerous natural avalanches have been observed from paths along the highway corridor, caused by rapid loading and strong winds. Ski tourers are reporting skier accidental avalanches from the backcountry, and at least one of these avalanches has resulted in a human burial.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Problems

Storm Slabs

With up to 70cm of new snow at treeline and strong gusty winds over the last few days, expect avalanche conditions to be widespread. Human triggering is likely.

Choose conservative lines and watch for clues of instability.Sluffs may trigger deeper instabilities.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 4

Wind Slabs

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

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

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Feb 16th, 2016 8:00AM