Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 23rd, 2012 8:00AM

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

Danyelle Magnan, Parks Canada

Glacier.

Temperatures hovered around +8 overnight at 2150m. The last preserved dry snow, on sheltered N aspects above 2200m may be affected. The snowpack everywhere else is weak and isothermal. A touch of sun this morning triggered avalanches on east aspects.

Summary

Problems

Loose Wet

Temperatures have remained above freezing in the alpine for the last 48hours, preventing an overnight freeze. The upper snowpack is isothermal and moist on solar aspects with little strength. Avalanche activity has started today on solar aspects.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wet Slabs

Moist snow and several crusts exist in the upper snowpack on all slopes except sheltered north aspects above 2200m. Avalanche control Saturday produced size 2-3 wet slab avalanches, propagating on a crust down 40.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Wind Slabs

New snow and winds on the 20th produced isolated windslabs on slopes where the last dry snow is preserved. In some locations they overlie a crust, while in others they sit on well settled snow.

Aspects: North, North East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

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