Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 8th, 2016 7:48AM

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

Parks Canada ian gale, Parks Canada

Pockets of windslab are still lurking in the alpine, be cautious as you approach ridgetop.

Summary

Weather Forecast

The Arctic ridge that has parked over the region will keep the weather cold and clear. Alpine high for today is forecasted to be a chilly -19 deg. 20 kph winds from the east will make it feel much colder up high. Watch your partners for frostbite!! The good news is that we can expect slightly warmer temps & a few cms of new snow over the weekend

Snowpack Summary

On glaciers and at ridgetop wind effected snow exists. Snow profiles have shown 70-80 cm of storm snow settling very slowly and facetting due to cold temps. Tests show reactive shears within the storm snow and the older buried layers of windslab. The Nov 13 crust, down 1 - 1.5 m is reacting in the hard range to deep tap tests.

Avalanche Summary

While most natural activity has tapered off with the cold temp's and calm winds, evidence of a recent widespread avalanche cycle is visible throughout the park. These slabs failed from rapid loading during the storm, were 50cm deep & running to near valley-bottom.

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Variable gusting winds have created windslab at ridge top in exposed areas. Expect cornices and crossloaded features lower on slopes to be reactive aswell. Stay observant and approach wind loaded areas carefully.
Use caution on open slopes and convex rolls Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 9th, 2016 8:00AM