Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 17th, 2012 8:18AM

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

danyelle magnan, Parks Canada

Glacier.

More sunshine today. A weak system will move in tomorrow bringing 5 to 15cm snow and rising south winds. A touchy surface (see problem 2) will become very reactive as load increases. Danger ratings will be higher than forecast if we get more snow.

Summary

Problems

Wind Slabs

SW winds have formed thin wind slabs. Skiers have triggered these slabs, creating avalanches to size 2. They are touchiest where present on a suncrust or surface hoar. These windslabs can be high consequence if over a cliff or terrain trap.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Dry

The top 20cm consists of low density snow, preserving surface hoar layers, and sitting on facets. On solar aspects, add a crust to that mix. On steep slopes, this surface will be triggered by skiers, and sluffs may build enough mass to push you over.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Cornices

Cornices are large, and can fail unpredictably. As temperatures fluctuate from cold overnight to warm during the day cornices may weaken further. Use caution while travelling along and below ridges, giving cornices lots of room.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 18th, 2012 8:00AM