Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 20th, 2014 8:00AM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Persistent Slabs.

ali haeri, Parks Canada

Glacier.

The sun is expected to shine for most of the day today with warmer temperatures up high. Watch your exposure to overhead cornice hazard and large slopes on solar aspects while the sun is shining on them.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Ridge of high pressure will dominate the weather pattern for the next few days with no significant precipitation forecast. Mix of sun and cloud today, valley fog and an inversion with milder temperatures up high with winds remaining light. Light snow expected on Wednesday in the interior.

Snowpack Summary

Upper 20cm of snow is wind affected at tree line and alpine elevations on all aspects over a well settled mid-pack. The Nov. surface hoar is spotty and down 180cm.The basal layers are more facetted and generally weaker than the rest of the snowpack. Expect to see a sun crust on steep south aspects as well as a rain crust on the surface below 1300m.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity yesterday

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs have been observed throughout the Park at higher elevations. It has been unreactive to snow sliding traffic but there is doubt that this may be the case everywhere. Small pockets may catch you by surprise.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Watch for areas of hard wind slab in steep alpine features.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

The November persistent weak layer will need a large load to be triggered. Its distribution is waning but still lingers in isolated spots.

Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches due to the presence of buried surface hoar.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

3 - 4

Valid until: Jan 21st, 2014 8:00AM