Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 16th, 2012 8:00AM

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

sylvia forest, Parks Canada

Glacier.

Clear skies this morning will be replaced by clouds and the chance of snow later today and into Friday and Saturday, accompanied by mild temperatures. Glide cracks are starting to open up again.

Summary

Problems

Wind Slabs

Thin wind slabs exist near ridge tops and on lee or cross-loaded slopes. Skiers have been triggering these thin slabs, creating avalanches to size 2. These will have more consequence if you are above a cliff band or terrain trap.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Dry

Low density snow can be triggered by riders, creating sluffs in steep terrain. Most noted on steep northerly aspects, it can occur on solar aspects as well. Sluffs are failing over a firm snowpack, and may have enough mass to push you over.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Cornices

Cornices are large, and can fail unpredictably. As temperatures rise over the next few days, cornices may weaken further.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 17th, 2012 8:00AM