Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 5th, 2012 8:00AM

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

danyelle magnan, Parks Canada

Glacier.

As the sun hits slopes, loose avalanches follow. This is a localized and predictable problem, specific to solar aspects. Pay attention to areas affected by the sun: the slope or cornice above you might be getting cooked.

Summary

Problems

Cornices

Large cornices are have formed along ridges. They often fail when weakened by solar warming. Cornices are large triggers capable of triggering deeper layers. They are easily triggered when traveling along ridges, often pulling far back from the ridge

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Loose Dry

Avalanches have been occurring as the sun hits slopes. Expect loose avalanches on solar aspects, most likely triggered on steep slopes with rocky outcrops. Avoid exposure to slopes that are in the sun. Sun crusts have formed on steep solar slopes.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wind Slabs

The storms during the last 2 weeks of January came in with strong southerly winds, resulting in a series of windslabs. They are most prevalent at ridgecrest. Use caution on steep, unsupported features in the alpine.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

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