Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 23rd, 2012 8:01AM

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

Parks Canada sylvia forest, Parks Canada

A very delicate weak layer exists 75cm down. Because the distribution of this layer is variable it may be hard to trigger in some places, and extremely easy in others. Clearing skies may lure riders into exposed terrain this weekend. Be cautious!

Summary

Problems

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs
Another 35 cm of snow fell at treeline overnight, with moderate S winds gusting to 40 kph. The surface hoar and sun crust layers from earlier in February are now buried up to 75cm, and are VERY reactive to light triggers such as skiers or riders.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Gusty winds have redistributed storm snow into slabs which sit on sun crust and surface hoar layers. These are most prevalent in wind exposed areas. Wide propagations are likely. Skiers have remotely triggered avalanches 50m away.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Feb 24th, 2012 8:00AM