Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 7th, 2012 8:17AM

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

jim phillips, Parks Canada

Glacier.

Moist and mild weather is forecast to affect this area beginning tonight through Sunday. Moderate to heavy snowfall amounts are possible. Avalanche hazard will significantly rise on Sunday if the intensity of this weather system materializes.

Summary

Problems

Storm Slabs

30 cm of storm snow overlies rain crust. This storm slab has gained strength but large triggers have indicated that this still presents an avalanche problem.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

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

Expected Size

2 - 4

Wind Slabs

Strong south winds from the most recent storm transported snow producing soft slabs over the Jan 3 rain crust or the storm slabs formed earlier last 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 8th, 2012 8:00AM