Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 20th, 2012 8:37AM

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.

Parks Canada Eric Dafoe, Parks Canada

Winds at ridges expected to be SW 30-50 today with temps around -6 and FL rising to 1000m. Expect mostly clouds today with light to mod precip. Watch for breaks in the could this morning. Glide cracks are becoming a concern again at TL and BLT

Summary

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Southerly winds continue to form slabs at ridgecrests. These may be buried with little evidence at the surface. Wind transport has loaded slopes and cornices are growing.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Cornices

An icon showing 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: North, North East, East, South East, South, South West.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs
The Feb 9 surface hoar, sun crust, facet layer is now down 1.5-2 m. Potential for large unsurvivable avalanches still exists from failure on this layer. Unpredictable cornice failure is the most likely trigger on this layer.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

3 - 4

Valid until: Mar 21st, 2012 8:00AM