Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 30th, 2012 8:01AM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Loose Dry.

Parks Canada ali haeri, Parks Canada

Solar radiation from clearing skies will have an affect on cornices. Keep an eye on those overhead hazards.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A ridge of high pressure is slowly moving east. Expect some overcast skies to be clearing as the day progresses. No precipitation is forecast. On Monday and into Tuesday, the ridge will remain over the province giving mostly clear skies, alpine inversions with some valley cloud and dry conditions.

Snowpack Summary

A profile yesterday on Mt Macdonald West Shoulder, 2185m, 38 degree slope, West aspect showed a height of snow of 200cm. Low density snow in top 20cm. The November 6 crust is down 160cm. Moderate to hard, sudden planar, test result down 42cm on decomposing forms. The Dec 25 surface hoar layer is down 15cm, more prominent between 1500m-2000m.

Avalanche Summary

2 size 2 natural loose avalanches yesterday east of the Rogers Pass summit.

Confidence

Due to the number and quality of field observations

Problems

Loose Dry

An icon showing Loose Dry
Sluffs and loose avalanches are still the main concern today in sufficiently steep terrain. They can be skier triggered or triggered naturally from solar radiation. Caution below rocky outcroppings on south and west aspects.
Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on exposed slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 31st, 2012 8:00AM