Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 31st, 2012 8:09AM

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

sylvia forest, Parks Canada

Glacier.

Good skiing can be found in protected areas below treeline. Watch for surface sluffing that can push you over. Be cautious of tree wells, which are becoming deep and large.

Summary

Problems

Storm Slabs

85cm of storm snow accumulated over the past week sits on a cold snow interface. Within the storm snow, "heavy over light' layers exist. Moderate precipitation forecast for today (5-15cm locally) will continue to load these weak interfaces.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Wind Slabs

Moderate to strong S-SW winds continue to prevail resulting in a series wind slabs on exposed terrain. New wind slabs are forming, and old ones have been buried. Major drifting and cross loading have been observed.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Cornices

A series of storms have provided lots of snow for transport by sustained southerly winds. Cornices are getting very large, and when they fail will provide large triggers capable of triggering deep layers and large avalanches.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

3 - 4

Valid until: Feb 1st, 2012 8:00AM