Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 13th, 2019 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.

Hazard will increase with rising temperatures throughout the day. Watch for slab development and moist surface snow and be prepared to alter your objective with changing conditions.

Summary

Weather Forecast

The sun will shine today with a temperature inversion and above freezing temperatures in the alpine. No precipitation and ridge winds light with gusts to 25km/h. The weak temperature inversion (and above freezing temps in the alpine) is expected to remain until Tuesday. A low pressure system and the associated cold snow arrives Wednesday.

Snowpack Summary

Warm temperatures have caused recent storm snow to settle out into soft slabs at all elevations. Isolated wind slabs exist in the alpine in exposed areas and near ridge lines. The Jan 2 freezing rain crust is down ~90cm. The Nov 21st interface is now 1-2m in deep. The expected arrival of above freezing temperatures will accelerate slab development.

Avalanche Summary

Several loose dry and small slab avalanches to size 1.5 released naturally in rocky and treed areas on steep solar aspects.

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain

Problems

Storm Slabs

Recent snowfall combined with winds and mild temps has create storm slabs. Warm temperatures will increase slab properties and destabilize the surface snow, thereby increasing the likelihood of triggering this widespread problem.

Watch for signs of slab formation, such as whumpfing and shooting cracks.Daytime warming will weaken surface layers.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Persistent Slabs

A recent size 3.5 skier triggered avalanche in Camp West path ran on this layer. The likelihood of triggering deeper layers increases with warming air temperatures. Cornices, which are also temperature sensitive, can certainly trigger this problem.

Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could easily trigger persistent slabs.Avoid steep convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.

Aspects: South East, South, South West, West, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2.5 - 3.5

Valid until: Jan 14th, 2019 8:00AM