Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 19th, 2012 8:15AM

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

jon schleiss, Parks Canada

Glacier.

Winds at tree-line and alpine areas in the loading values may have formed soft slabs. The new snow and these slabs are resting on the Feb 9th surface hoar layer. Use caution and test the slopes before you ski or board them.

Summary

Problems

Loose Dry

30cm of light snow preserves 2 touchy surface hoar layers. These layers sit on a crust on solar aspects, and facets elsewhere. Sluffing on steep slopes will travel far and fast, gaining mass. Loose avalanches are expected from extreme terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wind Slabs

Thin wind slabs formed by SW winds are now buried by up to 45cm and will be harder to identify. Skiers have triggered windslabs in steep alpine terrain. These windslabs can be high consequence if over a cliff or terrain trap.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

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