Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 6th, 2012 8:05AM

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

Parks Canada catherine brown, Parks Canada

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Glacier.

Daytime warming is the biggest concern today. Steep slopes facing the sun will weaken as it warms up. Loose avalanches and cornice failures are possible.

Summary

Problems

Loose Dry

An icon showing Loose Dry
Watch for changing surface conditions when slopes start receiving sun. As the snowpack warms loose avalanches are possible, especially on steep slopes. Rocky outcrops are prime trigger spots. Limit your exposure to slopes adjacent to hot spots.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Cornices

An icon showing Cornices
Large cornices exist on many ridges in the park. We have observed them failing recently in part due to solar warming. Large cornice falls can trigger deep weak layers. Use extra caution on corniced ridges, they can fail far back from the ridge crest.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Wind slabs formed on lee slopes during the last storm period due to strong southerly winds. They are found at ridgecrests and cross-loaded features. Watch for hard wind pressed snow and exercise caution on steep, unsupported features in the alpine.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Dry

An icon showing Loose Dry
Watch for changing surface conditions when slopes start receiving sun. As the snowpack warms loose avalanches are possible, especially on steep slopes. Rocky outcrops are prime trigger spots. Limit your exposure to slopes adjacent to hot spots.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Cornices

An icon showing Cornices
Large cornices exist on many ridges in the park. We have observed them failing recently in part due to solar warming. Large cornice falls can trigger deep weak layers. Use extra caution on corniced ridges, they can fail far back from the ridge crest.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Wind slabs formed on lee slopes during the last storm period due to strong southerly winds. They are found at ridgecrests and cross-loaded features. Watch for hard wind pressed snow and exercise caution on steep, unsupported features in the alpine.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Feb 7th, 2012 8:00AM

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