Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 1st, 2012 8:05AM

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

Parks Canada sylvia forest, Parks Canada

The biggest concern today are the alpine features and start zones which have been heavily loaded over the past week with over 100cm of storm snow. As skies clear choose your routes well. Ski quality is good in sheltered areas. Watch tree wells.

Summary

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
80-100cm of storm snow is still reactive, although becoming more stubborn. Large propagations are possible, especially in alpine start zones and lee features. Below treeline, pockets of soft slab and loose snow sluffs are running far and fast.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Significant wind loading onto lee slopes over the past week have created hard and soft wind slabs. These are most touchy in start zones, and have potential to propagate widely.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, South West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Cornices

An icon showing Cornices
Sustained southerly-SW winds have formed large cornices capable of triggering deep layers and large avalanches.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

3 - 4

Valid until: Feb 2nd, 2012 8:00AM