Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 22nd, 2012 8:15AM

The alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Storm Slabs, Wind Slabs and Loose Dry.

Parks Canada Danyelle Magnan, Parks Canada

Numerous natural avalanches to size 3.5 occurred yesterday. Expect things to be touchy today as the snowpack adjusts. Fidelity weather: 24hr snowfall 21cm, Storm snow (since the 18th) 52cm, Height of snow 318cm. Winds on Macdonald West Shoulder S 45

Summary

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
50 cm of low density snow, under the influence of moderating temperatures and increasing wind is forming a cohesive storm slab. It overlies small facets on soft slabs. Numerous avalanches and snowpack tests indicate this interface is very touchy.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Overnight winds increased. They have been consistently from the SW and in the transporting range. With 50 cm of new light snow available for transport, expect windloading and softslabs on exposed terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Loose Dry

An icon showing Loose Dry
Where unaffected by wind, 50 cm of low density snow will sluff easily. Described as "power sluffing" these loose avalanches move very quickly and pick up mass as they travel. They should not be underestimated.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 23rd, 2012 8:00AM