Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 2nd, 2012 8:06AM

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

sylvia forest, Parks Canada

Glacier.

No new snow over the last 24 hours. HS at Fidelity 256cm. Watch for effects of a strong inversion and intense sun on solar aspects.

Summary

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Dec 24 SH down 80cm and Dec. 11 SH down 150 cm are less touchy than they were, but potential for wide, deep skier triggered avalanches on these layers is still a concern. A strong INVERSION today, combined with clear sunny skies may be a concern.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 4

Wind Slabs

Isolated wind slabs at ridge tops are reactive, causing whumphing and cracking in places like Avalanche Crest. Watch for stepdown into deeper buried surface hoar layers which are still reactive.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

In the high alpine basal weaknesses exist and may cause large or very large avalanches. These may slide from large triggers or during periods of heavy storm loading. Large glide cracks failing near ground are also a significant concern this year.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

3 - 4

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