Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 21st, 2015 8:00AM

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

andrew jones, Parks Canada

Glacier.

Cool temps and a moderate breeze will minimize the solar effect, but always use caution on solar aspects and around cornices when the sun shines.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A stubborn high pressure ridge sits over the provence today bringing clear, cool and dry conditions. Expect mostly sunny skies with moderate NE winds. Freezing level to 600m. The high pressure ridge will persists into early next week.

Snowpack Summary

Difficult travel and ski conditions below 1900m where a light dusting of new snow sits on a bulletproof crust. Ski Crampons are recommended. Above treeline, 20-25cm of light snow sits over the Valentines Day crust with soft wind slabs forming on all aspects. The mid-pack is well settled. Persistent weak layers down 1-1.5m are stubborn to trigger.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed yesterday in the highway corridor. No signs on instability were observed by a field team on MacDonald West Shoulder.

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

Strong and steady winds heave caused soft slab development on all aspects. If triggered, wind slabs may propagate larger than expected on a buried crust up to 2200m. Fragile cornice growth at ridge line will continue to be touchy.

Stay well to the windward side of corniced ridges.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

Persistent weak layers down ~1 to 1.5m will likely need a large load such as a cornice failure to be triggered. A light load, like you, may be able to trigger them from shallow areas. When triggered these layers may propagate widely.

Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

3 - 4

Valid until: Feb 22nd, 2015 8:00AM