Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 5th, 2016 8:09AM

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

ross campbell, Parks Canada

Glacier.

Surprising amounts of new snow has fallen over the weekend. Conservative terrain choices should be exercised.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Mix of sun and cloud with isolated flurries, cool temperatures, alpine high of -16c and light winds for today. No precipitation in the forecast as the Arctic high pressure pushes south.

Snowpack Summary

Upwards of 80cm of storm snow over the past 3 days has fallen at 1900m, accompanied by moderate to strong winds forming a storm slab. This new layer is sitting over previous storm/wind slabs and will need time to heal. The Nov 13 Cr is buried 1m+, while this layer has been unreactive of late, it's possible that the new load could awaken this layer.

Avalanche Summary

Widespread natural avalanche cycle in the Connaught drainage to size 2. The slab depths were reported as approx 50cm in depth and were not stepping down to deeper layers. Some avalanches were stopping near valley bottom. Numerous size 2 to 3 avalanches in the HWY corridor off Mt Mcdonald and Tupper and Cougar.

Confidence

Problems

Storm Slabs

While natural avalanche activity is tapering off, human triggered avalanches are still likely. Our new storm slab sits on previous wind slabs, combined this avalanche problem has the potential to step down to the Nov 13 Crust.

If triggered the storm/wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Loose Dry

Upwards of 80cm of loose dry snow has fallen. Sluff management will be essential for safe travel. Watch for others above and below you. Sluffs have the potential to push a rider into a tree well or other terrain trap.

Use caution above cliffs where small avalanches may have severe consequences.Watch for terrain traps where small amounts of snow will acumulate into deep deposits.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 6th, 2016 8:00AM