Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 20th, 2012 8:29AM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Loose Wet, Wind Slabs and Wet Slabs.

Parks Canada eric dafoe, Parks Canada

The front has passed and clearing is forecast today. Strong solar is forecast for this afternoon and Saturday. Freezing levels will rise to 1800m today, 2200m Saturday and as high as 3000m on Sunday. Glide cracks are failing daily.

Summary

Problems

Loose Wet

An icon showing Loose Wet
A system overnight has dropped an additional 20cm of moist snow at tree line. Sun in the afternoon will loosen the new snow. Sluffs from rocks and trees are indicators that surface snow is ready to move. Small avalanches can build mass rapidly.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Strong and gusty south winds early this morning have produced a small avalanche cycle on steep N-NE aspects. Wind slabs and loaded pockets will have formed at and below ridge lines and near terrain features at tree line

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wet Slabs

An icon showing Wet Slabs
The top meter of snow is moist. The snowpack is isothermal to the ground up to 2100m with a series of crusts in the top 90 cm. The crusts provide potential failure planes and good bed surfaces for moist avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

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