Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 16th, 2014 8:00AM

The alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is high, and the below treeline rating is high. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Wind Slabs.

catherine brown, Parks Canada

Glacier.

Choose to ski mature forests and low angle terrain today. Use good group management if exposed to any avalanche terrain.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Another 10 cm of snow are forecast today with alpine temps around -7. Ridge top winds will be SW-25 gusting to 90. Snow will continue through Tuesday as a series of pacific frontal system bring waves of precipitation. Moderate to heavy precipitation is associated with the front moving through on Monday night, into Tuesday.

Snowpack Summary

A 100 cm storm slab has formed this past week. This snow overlies a weak old snow surface that was buried on Feb 10th. This weak interface is being loaded by new snow and wind, causing natural avalanches and easily triggered by skiers.

Avalanche Summary

Isolated natural avalanches were observed yesterday up to size 3.0. Natural avalanche activity is increasing this morning with moderate to strong winds alpine winds. Yesterday, several artillery controlled avalanches occurred up to size 3.0. Including Ross Peak avalanche path off Mt.Green which deposited snow onto the fan.

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Problems

Storm Slabs

A 100 cm storm slab sits on a weak layer. Skiers and riders will likely trigger this layer in avalanche terrain. Remote triggering is a concern, watch out for adjacent slopes.

Be careful with low angle slopes that may not normally be a concern.Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

2 - 4

Wind Slabs

Exposed terrain will have wind deposited snow forming slabs. Moderate to strong winds this AM are rapidly loading avalanche start zones.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.Minimize overhead exposure; avalanches triggered by windloading may reach run out zones.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Feb 17th, 2014 8:00AM