Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 14th, 2013 8:00AM

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

jon schleiss, Parks Canada

Glacier.

Today you can expect naturally triggered avalanches running to valley bottom. Use good traveling techniques when crossing avalanche terrain. Be Safe.

Summary

Weather Forecast

The strong warm storm continues today with heavy precipitation and moderate to strong winds from the southwest. Freeze lines are forecast to rise from 1600m this morning to 2000m this afternoon. The outlook brings less severe conditions for Friday and into the weekend with some cooling temperatures.

Snowpack Summary

35cm of heavy, high density new snow now sits on top of the low density previous storm snow. The recent high winds have formed this snow into wind and storm slabs at treeline and in the alpine. Below 1700m the Mar 3 rain crust, 3-4cm thick, is down 40cm and now is being weakened by freeze lines that climbed to 2100m yesterday, and should rtn today.

Avalanche Summary

A cycle of avalanche activity that began yesterday caused by rapid loading of the new snow by the very strong winds, and rising temperatures, continues today. Numerous avalanches were observed yesterday running to valley bottom.

Confidence

Problems

Storm Slabs

A storm that started on Wednesday has brought 30-45cm of high density new snow with strong winds and rising temperatures. This has formed avalanche conditions.

Minimize exposure to overhead avalanche terrain, large avalanches may reach run out zones.Choose conservative lines and watch for clues of instability.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 4

Persistent Slabs

The surface hoar/crust layer from February is most likely to be triggered by large triggers such as avalanches triggered in shallower layers in the snowpack and cornice falls which will result in large avalanches.

Be aware of the potential for large, deep avalanches due to the presence of buried surface hoar.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Mar 15th, 2013 8:00AM