Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 4th, 2012 8:09AM

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.

Loose avalanches followed the sun yesterday, and are expected again today. 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

Cornices are large, will become weaker due to solar warming and fail. Slopes with cornices looming above should be avoided. Cornices provide large triggers capable of triggering deeper layers. They are easily triggered when traveling along ridges.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Loose Dry

Yesterday, as the sun worked it's way around aspects loose avalanches were triggered and running far. Expect loose avalanches on solar aspects, most likely triggered on steep slopes with rocky outcrops. Avoid exposure to slopes that are in the sun.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wind Slabs

Significant wind loading onto lee slopes last week created hard and soft wind slabs. These are most touchy in start zones, and have potential to propagate widely.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Feb 5th, 2012 8:00AM