Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 23rd, 2012 8:04AM

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

Parks Canada danyelle magnan, Parks Canada

A front developing in the Pacific will move into the area on Tuesday bringing strong SW'ly winds and moderate to high precipitation. Avalanche danger will rise. Should the storm arrive earlier, danger will be higher than forecast on Tuesday.

Summary

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
50 cm of low density snow was deposited on Fri and Sat. With mild temps and increasing wind it is forming a cohesive storm slab. It overlies small facets on soft slabs. Skiers are reporting cracking in open areas at all elevations.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 4

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Winds have remained moderate to strong from south. With 50 cm of 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. 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 24th, 2012 8:00AM