Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 1st, 2016 8:18AM

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

ian gale, Parks Canada

Glacier.

The new snow is gaining strength however strong ridge top winds have loaded lee features in the alpine.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Cooling trend continues with light west winds, alpine temps to -9C and mainly cloudy skies. Expect this pattern to continue with isolated flurries forecast, cloudy skies and ridgetop highs in the -10- -15 range.

Snowpack Summary

Last week's storm produced 50cm of storm snow which is now settling and gaining strength. Soft wind slabs should be expected on lee features after mod-strong S-SW winds on the weekend. Jan 4th interface down 60-100cm and is still producing sporadic whumfing and possible to trigger especially in less traveled areas or where snowpack is thin.

Avalanche Summary

Natural avalanche activity has tapered off with the cooling temps, however with clear breaks yesterday evidence of many large recent avalanches were observed. WIth lots of available snow to transport any increase in winds could create a more cohesive slab.

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations

Problems

Storm Slabs

The recent storm slab is gaining strength. The exception is in Alpine or at treeline where mod S-SW winds may have created a soft windslab. On lee and exposed features the cohesive slab could be 60cm thick. Slides may step down to deeper weak layers.

If triggered the storm slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

The January 4th interface was rapidly overloaded & woke up during last weeks storm. This layer is tricky to assess as it is not evenly distributed on the landscape & sporadically reactive. It can be found in many locations 60-100cm deep.

Carefully evaluate terrain features by digging and testing on adjacent, safe slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Feb 2nd, 2016 8:00AM