Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 2nd, 2012 8:01AM

The alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Wind Slabs, Storm Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.

Parks Canada jon schleiss, Parks Canada

On the weekend slab avalanches were triggered remotely from long distances away in the alpine. Skiers also triggered avalanches near ridge crests. So be cautious and look for wind slabs.

Summary

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Wind slabs have formed on lee aspects where storm snow has been deposited

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 4

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
20-30cm of storm snow is forming a soft slab which is sitting on a sun crust on solar aspects and a melt freeze crust below treeline.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs
The February weak layer is buried down 1.5 to 2 m. This layer may be triggered by a heavy load such as a cornice failure or an avalanche in the upper snowpack. Consequences are high if this layer does fail.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

3 - 4

Valid until: Apr 3rd, 2012 8:00AM