Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 6th, 2013 8:17AM

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

Parks Canada ali haeri, Parks Canada

The high pressure system has been pushed out by new snow and wind, it's time to return to more conservative terrain choices.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Northwesterly flow moving eastward will end significant precipitation. Light amounts are forecast in the unsettled and cool air mass left in the wake of last nights storm.

Snowpack Summary

20cm of new snow over a facetted old snow interface. The Dec 25 and January 4 surface hoar layers are down around 30cm and 20cm respectively where present, mostly from 1500 to 2000m. The mid-pack is still well settled except in shallower areas where it has become weak and facetted. The Nov 6 crust is down 130cm.

Avalanche Summary

1 loose natural avalanche, solar triggered, size 1.5 observed east of the Roger's Pass summit on a south aspect at 2590m.

Confidence

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

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
23cm of new snow sits over an old snow interface that is not likely to bond quickly. This new snow will add to the sluffing that has been observed over the past week when triggered.
Whumpfing, shooting cracks and recent avalanches are all strong inicators of unstable snowpack.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Winds picked up last night and are still on the rise. Be aware of  the changing snow conditions as you enter more wind exposed terrain.
Caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 7th, 2013 8:00AM