Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Regions
Glacier.
http://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/scond/Cond_E.asp?oID=15974&oPark=100205 Watch for avalanches triggered from hot spots like rocks and trees, if the sun stays out this afternoon.
Weather Forecast
A strong, arctic ridge of high pressure dominates the region until Wednesday. A mix of sun and cloud are forecast today with alpine temperatures around -13 and light ridge top winds. A similar day tomorrow with slightly warmer temperatures. On Tuesday freezing levels will rise, with alpine temperatures forecast to reach -4.
Snowpack Summary
1-1.4m of storm snow is settling into a cohesive slab over the Jan 28/22 facet/surface hoar/crust interface. Snowpack tests suggests this weak layer is difficult to trigger, but if failed has high propagation propensity. In addition, layers in the top 60cm of the storm slab are reactive and if triggered will likely step down to the Jan 28/22.
Avalanche Summary
Yesterday a few natural avalanches were observed along the highway corridor size 2.5 to 3. A fresh size 2.5 avalanche was observed yesterday around noon behind the Asulkan Hut. Less obvious signs of instability cracking, recent avalanches activity and whumphing are being observed while traveling but the buried weak layers remain reactive.
Confidence
Due to the number of field observations
Problems
Persistent Slabs
Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) in the middle to upper snowpack, when the bond to an underlying persistent weak layer breaks. Persistent layers include: surface hoar, depth hoar, near-surface facets, or faceted snow. Persistent weak layers can continue to produce avalanches for days, weeks or even months, making them especially dangerous and tricky. As additional snow and wind events build a thicker slab on top of the persistent weak layer, this avalanche problem may develop into a Deep Persistent Slab.
Wind Slabs
Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.
Cornices
Cornice Fall is the release of an overhanging mass of snow that forms as the wind moves snow over a sharp terrain feature, such as a ridge, and deposits snow on the downwind (leeward) side. Cornices range in size from small wind drifts of soft snow to large overhangs of hard snow that are 30 feet (10 meters) or taller. They can break off the terrain suddenly and pull back onto the ridge top and catch people by surprise even on the flat ground above the slope. Even small cornices can have enough mass to be destructive and deadly. Cornice Fall can entrain loose surface snow or trigger slab avalanches.
