Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 22nd, 2012 8:28AM

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

danyelle magnan, Parks Canada

Glacier.

Freezing levels to 3000m, light rain, maybe a bit of sun, and no overnight freeze will continue to weaken the snowpack.

Summary

Problems

Loose Wet

Temperatures have remained above freezing in the alpine for the last 24hours, preventing an overnight freeze. The upper snowpack is isothermal on solar aspects below 2100m, with little strength. Light rain and bits of sun will be triggers.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wet Slabs

Moist snow and several crusts exist in the upper snowpack on all slopes expect sheltered north aspects above 2100m (which will likely change today). Avalanche control yesterday produced size 2-3 wet slab avalanches, propagating on a crust down 40.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Wind Slabs

New snow and winds on the 20th produced windslabs on slopes where the last dry snow is preserved. Expect them at ridgecrest and gully features. In some locations they overlie a crust, while in others they sit on well settled snow.

Aspects: North, North East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Apr 23rd, 2012 8:00AM