Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 8th, 2015 8:08AM

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

percy woods, Parks Canada

Glacier.

Solar radiation was the likely trigger of a couple avalanches yesterday. Avoid steeper solar aspects if the sun is out for prolonged periods today.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Light winds, little precipitation and below freezing temperatures are in the forecast. This should result in a slow decrease of the avalanche danger.

Snowpack Summary

The storm snow continues to settle and bond to the old snow surface. The December 17th layer has been quiet but given the right location such as shallow snowpack steep protected north aspects backcountry travelers may be able wake it up.

Avalanche Summary

The sun came out yesterday and for a short time around 11am the solar radiation was intense resulting in a few solar triggered avalanches on steep solar aspects. These slides were confined to the recent storm snow. The sun is expected to come out again today so steep solar aspects should be avoided.

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations

Problems

Storm Slabs

The bond of the recent storm snow continues to improve however given the right location could still be reactive to human triggering. Steeper windloaded features at and above treeline should be treated with respect.

Use caution above cliffs where small avalanches may have severe consequences.Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Dry

Sluffing in steep terrain should still be considered in your route planning as you travel today. Avoid exposure to groups above you in steeper confined terrain below treeline.

Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.Avoid travelling on ledges and cliffs where sluffing may have severe consequences.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

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

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Jan 9th, 2015 8:00AM