Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 12th, 2015 8:00AM

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

andrew jones, Parks Canada

Glacier.

Warm temperatures will persist until later in the weekend, keeping avalanche problems active. Extra caution is required during periods of precipitation or sun.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A weak front will bring isolated flurries today and rain below 1800m. A wetter front will move in late friday bringing up to 10cm of wet snow by Saturday morning. Freezing levels are expected to dip to seasonal norms later in the weekend as we set up for a high pressure period.

Snowpack Summary

20cm of moist snow sits on top of 1m of settled storm snow over the Jan 30 layer. This layer formed a crust to 2200m with spotty surface hoar distribution. Jan 15 surface hoar layer is down 100-150cm and continues to be reactive in tests.

Avalanche Summary

A size 2 loose wet avalanche was observed yesterday in the highway corridor on Tupper Minor avalanche path east of Rogers Pass.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Problems

Loose Wet

Avalanches are easily triggered below 1800m where wet snow runs on a crust. The forecast is for clouds, but should the sun emerge expect natural avalanches from steep solar aspects. Loose avalanches can gain mass and momentum quickly.

Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.Be very cautious with gully features.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

Persistent weak layers within the top 150cm of the snowpack should not be forgotten, especially while temperatures remain warm. Smaller avalanches or cornice failures may step down and propagate on these deep instabilities.

Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

3 - 4

Valid until: Feb 13th, 2015 8:00AM