Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 18th, 2017 7:46AM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs.
chris gooliaff,
Parks Canada
A heavy storm slab and warm temperatures have elevated the danger ratings for the next couple of days. Natural avalanches should be expected.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Flurries are expected today bringing another 10-15cm. Freezing levels will hover around 1400m and winds will be moderate from the SW. Things will dry out after today and freezing levels will drop to valley bottom by Thursday evening.
Snowpack Summary
35 cm of new snow has fallen in the last 48 hrs. Southerly winds to 45 km/hr have likely redistributed this snow at ridgetop. This new snow buries old wind slab in the Alpine and a surface hoar/facet combo at treeline and below. Due to the unusually cold winter overall, the snowpack is quite faceted and weak.
Avalanche Summary
Numerous natural avalanches to size 3.5 have been observed in the last 24 hours, several dusting the highway. Confined gullies have been producing the biggest results, with debris reaching the valley floor.
Confidence
Problems
Storm Slabs
35cm of new snow was accompanied by moderate S winds. This has created a new storm slab that is poorly bonded to a weak layer of facets and surface hoar. This slab will be reactive at all elevation bands, especially with the warm temp's today.
Minimize overhead exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind.The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 19th, 2017 8:00AM
