Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Jan 26th, 2013 8:00AM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs.
catherine brown,
Parks Canada
Make conservative terrain choices today. As you increase your exposure to avalanche terrain, do it gradually as you gather information.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Flurries are forecast for today with freezing levels rising to 900m. Ridge top winds will be light from the west and alpine temps around -6. Light snow is expected to continue Sunday with slightly cooler temperatures. The outlook for Monday is moderate precipitation amounts.
Snowpack Summary
30 to 45 cm of new snow remain unconsolidated below treeline. Moderate southerly winds loaded northerly aspects during the storm. This snow covered a variety of surfaces including, small surface hoar and sun crust on steep S through W aspects. Yesterday this interface was not failing in stability tests at treeline in the Hermit basin, SE aspect.
Avalanche Summary
We have observed two moderate natural avalanche cycles involving the storm snow on both Friday and Saturday morning. Many paths along the highway corridor ran size 2-2.5, with a few size 3. Deposits were reaching the end of run outs in some events. We suspect similar avalanches were occurring up all the backcountry drainages.
Confidence
Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Monday
Problems
Storm Slabs
45cm of new snow has created storm slabs. These can be triggered by riders especially in steep, unsupported terrain. Watch for wind effected snow on north/northeast aspects at treeline and in the alpine. Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.
Choose conservative lines and watch for clues of instability.Stay off recent wind loaded areas until the slope has had a chance to stabilize.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Jan 27th, 2013 8:00AM
