Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 6th, 2012 8:07AM

The alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Storm Slabs, Persistent Slabs and Wind Slabs.

Parks Canada Eric Dafoe, Parks Canada

The next 3 days should produce some clear skies, little precipitation, moderate NW winds and cooler temperatures. The snowpack is adjusting to a major warm storm. This is not the time for big lines and steep terrain. Fidelity: HN24 12cm -0.5/-5.5.

Summary

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
A rain crust that formed on Jan 3 is buried by 30cm of storm snow. Strong South winds (40-100kph) continued overnight. The storm slab over the crust, has been very reactive to skiers and produced large natural avalanches to valley bottom yesterday.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 4

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs
The Dec. 11 SH layer continues to produce sudden planar test results. Large triggers such as cornice failures and avalanches are stepping down to this weakness. Natural and artillery fired avalanches on Jan 5th produced this step down effect.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 4

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Strong southerly winds have been observed transporting snow and producing soft slabs over the Jan 3 rain crust or the storm slabs formed earlier this week. The crust carries into the lower alpine in some locations. Watch the immediate lee of ridges.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

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