Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 10th, 2012 8:01AM

The alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Storm Slabs, Persistent Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.

Parks Canada jon schleiss, Parks Canada

Expect wind slabs near ridges in the alpine and at treeline, and watch out for avalanches reaching to the end of runout zones.

Summary

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
50 cm of snow overlies a storm snow instability. Overnight 10-15cm of snow has fallen with winds peaking at 100 km/h. Expect these slabs at Treeline and above. Avalanches triggered in this layer could trigger deeper slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs
The Dec. 11 SH layer continues to produce avalanches when heavily loaded such as during or after periods of snowfall or wind. A fracture line profile at 1600m showed this slab failing 110 cm deep during the last storm on Jan 6.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs
In the high alpine basal weaknesses exist and may cause large or very large avalanches. These may slide from large triggers or during periods of heavy storm loading. Large glide cracks failing near ground are also a significant concern this year.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

3 - 4

Valid until: Jan 11th, 2012 8:00AM