Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 3rd, 2012 8:16AM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Cornices, Loose Dry and Wind Slabs.

danyelle magnan, Parks Canada

Glacier.

Blue skies and a strengthening snowpack are alluring. Pay close attention to overhead hazards and daytime warming in order to manage current avalanche problems. Snowballing off of cliffs and trees shedding snow are clues that things are heating up.

Summary

Problems

Cornices

Large cornices are present along ridges. Expect them to fail due to strong solar today. When traveling along ridges, expect them to be triggered. Cornices provide large triggers capable of triggering deeper layers.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Loose Dry

Lots of sun is forecast. Expect loose avalanches on solar aspects, most likely triggered on steep slopes with rocky outcrops.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

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. Skiers in steep NW couloir easily triggered small pockets of windslab.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Feb 4th, 2012 8:00AM