Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 1st, 2013 8:09AM

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

ali haeri, Parks Canada

Glacier.

Conditions have changed from last week. Its time to be more conservative in your decision making.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Pacific system bringing snow to the interior into tomorrow. Forecast amounts are variable from light to moderate today to light amounts tomorrow. A high pressure ridge is building. It will clear the skies and cool the temperatures for Tuesday.

Snowpack Summary

20cm of new snow is over the November 28 surface hoar layer which had widespread distribution. This surface hoar layer is sitting on sun crust on steep south aspects or facets elsewhere. The November 12 surface hoar layer is down 50 to 110 cm from tree line to the alpine.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed yesterday.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Problems

Storm Slabs

More snow is expected today increasing the avalanche hazard. A new surface hoar layer is down around 20cm under this new snow. It has widespread distribution and will be easily triggered by riders under this new load.

Minimize exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

A surface hoar layer buried down 50-110cm at the higher elevations is within the range of rider triggering.

Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Dec 2nd, 2013 8:00AM