Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 21st, 2012 9:08AM

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

grant statham, Parks Canada

Glacier.

Today's weather forecast is calling for sunny breaks, so watch for rising temperatures and avalanches resulting from solar radiation.

Summary

Problems

Wind Slabs

New wind slabs and loaded pillows have been forming from strong S winds. Natural avalanches on steep N asp running well onto fans have been observed again this morning. Slabs formed at ridge lines and cross loaded features.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Cornices

Most ridges throughout the Park have massive cornices. Fluctuating temperatures and continued wind transport increase the potential for cornice failure. These failures are the big triggers capable of stepping down to the Feb. persistent layers.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Deep Persistent Slabs

The Feb 9 surface hoar, sun crust, facet layer is now down 1.5-2 m. Skiers are unlikely to fail this layer, but consequences are high if this layer does fail. Unpredictable cornice failure is the most likely trigger on this layer.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Mar 22nd, 2012 8:00AM