Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 5th, 2017 8:00AM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
danyelle magnan,
Parks Canada
Touchy windslabs exist in unexpected areas. Be extra wary on windloaded Southerly aspects, especially if the sun comes out. Over the weekend, as temperatures moderate, deeper instabilities may become more reactive.
Summary
Weather Forecast
A weak system will bring flurries today and slightly milder temps, with alpine temps ranging from -16'C to -13'C, and light SW winds. Friday will be similar but we should see a bit of sun with flurries. Over the weekend expect a mix of sun and cloud with alpine highs of -10'C and generally light SE winds.
Snowpack Summary
Earlier this week, strong N'ly winds hammered exposed slopes at treeline and above. Widespread windslabs exist in most of the alpine. At treeline and below the Dec 26 surface hoar layer is down 20-50cm and field teams have reported that it is becoming reactive. The Dec 18 facet layer is down 80cm and the Nov 13 crust is down 1.5 - 2 metres.
Avalanche Summary
Yesterday skiers accidentally triggered a size 1.5 windslab on a SW aspect at 2350m (see their MIN for details). In the region there were several similar reports of triggerable windslabs up to 50cm deep. There have been no natural avalanches observed in the park for a few days. In addition there have been reports of cornices failing.
Confidence
Problems
Wind Slabs
Widespread, touchy windslabs exist in exposed areas. These windslabs exist in unusual areas due to reverse loading by strong N'ly winds. Be especially cautious where the consequences of even a small avalanche would be serious, such as over cliffs.
Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, and shooting cracks.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 6th, 2017 8:00AM
