Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 14th, 2012 11:18AM

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

Sylvia Forest, Parks Canada

Glacier.

Avalanches are running full path, and on a scale larger than has been seen for many years. Even if you are below treeline, you could be exposed to large avalanches from above, or smaller avalanches in open glades.

Summary

Problems

Storm Slabs

More snow in the past 24 hours with high gusty winds and warm temperatures have created storm slabs at all elevations. These are reactive to skier triggering.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Persistent Slabs

The Feb 9 surface hoar, sun crust, facet layer is now down 1.5 to 2 meters, and remains very reactive. The very mild temperatures and high winds have overloaded this layer yet again. Large avalanches have run to valley bottom and across valleys.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

3 - 4

Wind Slabs

Southerly winds are transporting snow, loading slopes and forming windslabs on exposed slopes at treeline and above. Large avalanches occurred this weekend on lee slopes. These windslabs overlie lower density snow and may be triggered by skiers.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Mar 15th, 2012 9:00AM