Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 29th, 2012 8:00AM

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

sylvia forest, Parks Canada

Glacier.

Wind slabs in the alpine, isothermal mush below treeline, cornices, and glide cracks are all making travel "interesting".

Summary

Problems

Loose Wet

Warm overnight temperatures over the last few nights prevented the snowpack from refreezing at lower elevations. Yesterdays solar radiation produced numerous avalanches. Little direct solar radiation is expected today but watch out if it shines

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

The February weak layer is buried down 1.5 to 2 m. This layer has been reacting infrequently to skier triggering particularly at treeline elevations. Consequences are high if this layer does fail.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Cornices

Be aware of the overhead cornice hazard. The sun at this time of year is quite strong when it comes out and may be enough to release cornices. They are large triggers and could produce big avalanches. Glide cracks are starting to fail to ground.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Mar 30th, 2012 8:00AM