Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 16th, 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.

Parks Canada andrew jones, Parks Canada

Carefully assess the top 50cm of the snowpack for cohesion and slab development. Storm slabs will be easily triggered and may propagate into large avalanches.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A frontal system will track into the area this morning with moderate SW winds. Light precipitation is expected with up to 10cm of accumulation by late Sunday afternoon. Freezing levels will remain below 1300m.

Snowpack Summary

In the alpine up to 40cm of new snow buries the January 4th interface. This interface is surface hoar in protected areas, sun crust on steep S - SW aspects and loose facets at tree-line and below. Where wind-affected, storm slabs have formed in lee features. At lower elevations, the mild temp's and snow settlement are creating storm slabs.

Avalanche Summary

Three size 2 avalanches were observed in the highway corridor east of Rogers Pass. The avalanches were triggered in the developing storm slab layer.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
Storm slabs continue to develop as warm temps, wind and snow settlement turn the upper 40cm into a cohesive layer. Slabs are most developed in exposed alpine ares. This layer is easily triggered where it sits on preserved surface hoar crystals.
Use caution in lee areas. Wind loading could create slabs.Use caution on open slopes and convex rolls at treeline where buried surface hoar may be preserved.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Jan 17th, 2016 8:00AM