Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 27th, 2017 8:01AM

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

Parks Canada dean flick, Parks Canada

Alpine glaciers may be where you are headed to get to the long powder runs - take your crevasse rescue kit and know how to use it. On your way, avoid overhead hazards and be diligent about evaluating snow stability and your route.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A westerly flow will bring scattered flurries today. Localized snowfall could result to some areas receiving moderate to heavy amounts in a short time. Ridge winds will be SW 10 to 20km/h. Alpine temperatures with a high of -5C. The sun is not forecast to show itself today, but if it does, watch for signs of a quickly destabilizing snowpack.

Snowpack Summary

Dry powder snow can be found on north aspects in the alpine. On solar aspects, moist snow buries a crust 20-30cm deep - a potential touchy sliding layer if temperatures warm up. Cornices are very large right now; try to avoid traveling under them - they have potential to trigger weak layers deep in the snowpack. Windslabs can be found on lee slopes

Avalanche Summary

Yesterday, six natural size 2.0 to 2.5 moist slab avalanches occurred in the west end of the park. With daytime warming or solar inputs this type of activity will continue. On Saturday, at the 1900m elevation and below, field teams were able to ski-cut numerous reactive loose wet avalanches, 20 to 30cm deep and overlying a crust.

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

3 - 4

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Mar 28th, 2017 8:00AM