Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 24th, 2012 8:22AM

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

danyelle magnan, Parks Canada

Glacier.

Strong solar is forecast through the weekend. Avalanche danger will rise through the day on slopes exposed to the sun.

Summary

Problems

Cornices

In deciding where to go today and while traveling carefully consider your exposure to cornices. Huge cornices exist along ridges. Fluctuating temperatures and strong solar will weaken them. Cornice failures have triggered very large avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

These layers are down 1.5-2 m, are widespread and have produced climax avalanches. The probability of triggering is low, and it will likely take a large trigger such as a cornice fall, but if triggered the resulting avalanche would be massive.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

3 - 4

Loose Dry

Periods of strong sun yesterday formed suncrusts on steep solar aspects. Intense solar is forecast today and is expected to trigger loose avalanches, they could turn to wet in the afternoon. Watch for signs such as snowballing and moist snow.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Mar 25th, 2012 8:00AM