Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 8th, 2012 8:16AM

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

jim phillips, Parks Canada

Glacier.

Forecast snowfall amounts did not materialize overnight. 5 cm new at Fidelity. Moderate precipitation amounts and rising freezing levels are forecast today and Monday, so danger ratings will remain in the considerable range.

Summary

Problems

Storm Slabs

30 cm of storm snow overlies rain crust. This storm slab has gained strength but heavy loads may trigger a large avalanche. Stability tests show moderate failures on faceted snow below the crust.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Persistent Slabs

The Dec. 11 SH layer continues to produce avalanches when heavily loaded such as during or after periods of snowfall or wind. A fracture line profile at 1600m showed this slab failing 110 cm deep during the last storm on Jan 6.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Wind Slabs

Strong south winds from the most recent storm transported snow produced soft slabs over the Jan 3 rain crust or the storm slabs formed earlier last week. The crust carries into the lower alpine in some locations. Watch the immediate lee of ridges.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Jan 9th, 2012 8:00AM