Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 18th, 2012 8:00AM

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

danyelle magnan, Parks Canada

Glacier.

Dribs and drabs of new snow are incrementally loading, and preserving, two touchy surface hoar layers. Another 5-10cm are expected today with SW winds gusting into transport range. Avalanche danger is rising with increasing load.

Summary

Problems

Loose Dry

25cm 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 25cm 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

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 19th, 2012 8:00AM