Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 31st, 2012 8:09AM

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

robert hemming, Parks Canada

Glacier.

Summary

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs have formed on lee aspects where storm snow has been deposited

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

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 and moist snow below treeline.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

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

Expected Size

1 - 4

Valid until: Apr 1st, 2012 8:00AM