Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 25th, 2012 8:38AM

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

sylvia forest, Parks Canada

Glacier.

Avalanche control started early this morning as a result of intense loading of storm snow overnight. Numerous large natural avalanches occurred overnight, and avalanche control operations have already produced several large avalanches.

Summary

Problems

Storm Slabs

Intense south winds causing heavy drifting, mild temperatures and 20cm of storm snow has added significant load to the snowpack. Cohesive slabs have formed at treeline and above. Natural avalanche activity is wide spread. Cornices are very large.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

2 - 4

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

Wind Slabs

Winds have remained moderate to strong from south causing intense snow transport onto lee features. Some convective loading on windward features is also likely. Snow profiles are producing RB4 whole block down 60. Large avalanches are occurring.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Jan 26th, 2012 8:00AM