Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 17th, 2012 8:05AM

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

Parks Canada Danyelle Magnan, Parks Canada

Orange means CAUTION! Natural activity is decreasing but skier triggering remains likely with very high consequences. Forecast sun will raise danger in the next few days. Avoid exposure to solar slopes if the sun arrives sooner than expected.

Summary

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Wind has been a big factor in recent avalanches. S and N winds have transported snow loading slopes, forming soft slabs at ridgecrests and building large cornices. Windloading or cornice fall may trigger deeper layers. Skiers may trigger windslabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
25cm of snow in the past 48hrs is unconsolidated and will sluff fast on steep slopes. A meter of snow from the past week, with mild temperatures and S winds have formed a cohesive storm slab. Triggering is most likely on convex, unsupported slopes

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs
The Feb persistent layers are down 1.5 to 2m and producing climax avalanches. A natural off of Teddybear ridge was 1.5m deep, logged mature timber, and hit standard uptracks. These layers are most likely to be triggered by cornice fall or step down.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

3 - 4

Valid until: Mar 18th, 2012 8:00AM