Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 5th, 2012 8:03AM

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

sylvia forest, Parks Canada

Glacier.

Travel conditions below treeline, especially on solar aspects, are becoming difficult, due to moist sticky snow. Cornices, glide cracks, storm snow and deep weaknesses remain a concern going into the weekend.

Summary

Problems

Storm Slabs

Another 18cm of storm snow adds load to the existing storm slabs. At lower elevations, the snow is getting close to zero degrees. As air temperatures get warmer, the snowpack may become rapidly weak.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

The Feb 8 surface hoar is still well preserved in many locations, down 150-200cm. Although becoming hard to trigger, the right trigger such as a cornice fall or glide crack failure can result in large, very destructive avalanches .

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

3 - 4

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs have formed on lee aspects where storm snow has been deposited

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Apr 6th, 2012 8:00AM