Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 19th, 2012 8:09AM

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

eric dafoe, Parks Canada

Glacier.

Slight alpine inversion today with Fidelity -22.0 at 7 am. No new snow. winds L-M from NE. Cold temps persist into Friday, with snow and milder temps beginning later Friday. Danger ratings will rise with rapid loading and moderate snowfall Saturday!

Summary

Problems

Wind Slabs

South winds have produced slabs on exposed terrain from below tree line to alpine ridges. Reverse loading began yesterday with L-M winds from the NE. Thin slabs were observed from all elevations yesterday. Watch cross loaded and gully features today.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Dry

Light density loose snow still exists in sheltered openings at and below tree line. Power sluffing in steep glades could fail deeper storm snow weaknesses. In most areas winds and cold temperatures have tightened the snow surface.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Storm Slabs

A freezing rain crust down 50 - 60cm is more prevalent west of Rogers Pass summit. This layer reacts in the hard range on tests. It remains a concern with larger triggers from step down avalanches or cornice fall. Cornice failure is a concern.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Jan 20th, 2012 8:00AM