Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 30th, 2016 8:00AM

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

andrew jones, Parks Canada

Glacier.

Strong winds have kept the recent storm snow primed for human triggering. The storm has passed but considerable avalanche hazard remains.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Mainly cloudy today with isolated flurries. Winds SW 20-35 km/h, alpine temperature -8.0 and freezing levels rising to 800m. No significant precipitation is expected for the next several days as a high pressure ridge builds throughout the weekend. Temperatures will continue to drop as arctic air moves into the region.

Snowpack Summary

50cm of recent storm snow is settling into a cohesive slab. Overnight strong S winds created heavily loaded pockets on lee aspects and wind slabs in exposed areas. The Jan 4 weak layer, down 60-100cm was rapidly loaded and will be touchy in areas where it has not yet failed.

Avalanche Summary

Natural avalanche activity decreased yesterday following a widespread natural avalanche cycle on Thursday. Ongoing strong winds may contribute to another Natural avalanche cycle today.

Confidence

Problems

Storm Slabs

This layer is once again primed for triggering thanks to ongoing strong winds. In exposed areas, this layer is a cohesive slab up to 60cm thick. It may be triggered by light loads and avalanches on this layer may step down to deeper layers.

Use conservative route selection, choose moderate angled and supported terrain with low consequence.Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Persistent Slabs

A surface hoar layer now down 60-100cm is likely to be touchy after being overloaded by the storm. This layer lingers in many areas and is sporadically reactive, making it tricky to assess. When it fails, however, large avalanches are the result.

Carefully evaluate terrain features by digging and testing on adjacent, safe slopes. Watch for signs of instability such as whumpfing, or cracking.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Jan 31st, 2016 8:00AM