Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 3rd, 2015 8:06AM

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

andrew jones, Parks Canada

Glacier.

http://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/links/goto_e.asp?destination=http://www.facebook.com/ParksMountainSafety/posts/768278099888848%E2%80%8ERider loads are still trigging large avalanches on the December 17th surface hoar.

Summary

Weather Forecast

An unsettled weather pattern remains over the area today with ongoing flurries amounting to 5cm of snow. Alpine temperatures will peak at -7 with light ridge wind occasionally gusting to strong. A large weather system will start moving over the province late tonight spreading precipitation on Sunday with freezing levels remaining low.

Snowpack Summary

25cm of storm snow now covers recently formed wind slabs in exposed areas. The Dec 17th surface hoar layer is down 60-80cm sitting on top of a thick rain crust facet combo below 2100m and sitting on a settled mid-pack above. This layer is widespread and continues to be reactive to the load of a rider, especially at treeline.

Avalanche Summary

The December 17 surface hoar layer produced a large skier triggered avalanche yesterday on a north aspect at treeline on surface hoar buried 60cm. New snow from the past 48 hours remains powdery in most locations producing small loose avalanches. This storm slab is expected to gain cohesion with forecasted winds and precipitation.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Problems

Persistent Slabs

The Dec17th surface hoar is still reactive, with most events at treeline. A size 2 skier-controlled avalanche released on this layer yesterday. Buried surface hoar requires careful decision making, especially as more new snow continues to fall.

Avoid open slopes and convex rolls at and below treeline where buried surface hoar may be preserved.Be wary of slopes that did not previously avalanche.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Storm Slabs

Although powdery in most places, 20-25cm of new snow is gaining cohesion. This layer has concealed recently formed wind slabs in exposed ares. Riders may be surprised by this layer, as these avalanches have the potential to trigger deeper layers.

If triggered the storm/wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 4th, 2015 8:00AM