Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 8th, 2012 9:17AM

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

Avalanche Canada jlammers, Avalanche Canada

Summary

Confidence

Fair - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Weather Forecast

Expect increased cloud on Thursday with trace amounts of snowfall. Light snowfall should occur sporadically throughout friday and Saturday morning with possible clearing by Saturday afternoon. Winds are expected to be light and westerly trending to light and variable by Saturday. Freezing levels are forecast to trend from 1100m to 1400m throughout the forecast period.

Avalanche Summary

Large chunks of cornice fall have been reported in recent days with limited effect on the slope below. Minor radiation sluffs on steep solar aspects. Otherwise, no new activity to report.

Snowpack Summary

Very warm alpine temperatures recently melted surface snow layers. A crust (or moist snow, depending on the time of day) now exists to ridge top on solar aspects. Large weak cornices are plentiful and recently developed wind slabs may exist in certain areas. The upper snowpack appears to be settling well. Below about 1500m, crust/facet layers buried in early January are still causing operators concern. If you're traveling in the mountains now is a great time to take stock of current surface conditions (surface hoar, crusts) that will be an issue when is snows again.

Problems

Cornices

An icon showing Cornices
Large cornices are looming over many slopes. They are weakest when it's warm and sunny. A falling chunk could trigger a large avalanche on the slope below.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 7

Valid until: Feb 9th, 2012 3:00AM