Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 15th, 2012 8:20AM

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

Parks Canada Sylvia Forest, Parks Canada

Another intense weather system today is continuing to overload an already delicate snowpack. Large avalanches are expected, especially in areas where they have not yet run. Avoiding avalanche terrain is recommended.

Summary

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
Up to 70cm of storm snow has fallen in the last 5 days. Another intense weather system will add another 15cm today with warm temps. This will continue to overload deeper weaknesses.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs
The Feb 9 surface hoar, sun crust, facet layer is down 1.5 to 2 meters, and remains very reactive. The very mild temperatures and high winds have overloaded this layer yet again. Large avalanches have run to valley bottom and across valleys.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

3 - 4

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Strong SW winds are transporting snow, loading slopes and forming windslabs on exposed slopes at treeline and above. These windslabs overlie lower density snow and may be triggered by skiers. They may also cause step-down fractures to deeper layers.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Mar 16th, 2012 8:00AM