Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 9th, 2012 8:02AM

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

sylvia forest, Parks Canada

Glacier.

The main hazards today are hard slabs in the alpine, cornices, and moist snow on solar aspects. The best riding will be on protected north aspects.

Summary

Problems

Wind Slabs

Moderate to strong winds have formed a hard slab in isolated locations in the alpine, most notably on convex roles and areas of down flow winds. Even small slabs can have large consequences if you are above a cliff or drop.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Wet

Overcast skies may limit the effects of direct solar radiation today, however the air mass is expected to stay very mild. If the sun does come out this afternoon, be aware of moist snow sluffs from steep solar aspects and rock outcrops.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Cornices

Cornices are large, and are unpredictable. Several cornice failures lately have not produced avalanches, however a few notable cornice drops have produced avalanches to size 3.5 where the snowpack fails on very deep layers.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Feb 10th, 2012 8:00AM