Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 20th, 2016 8:00AM

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

percy woods, Parks Canada

Glacier.

2500m freezing level, persistent weak layers and cornices, all should receive your attention today.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Cloudy with isolated wet flurries today. Freezing levels are forecast to reach 2500m with alpine temps up to +2C. Light SE winds will accompany the warm temperatures.

Snowpack Summary

Solar input has produced surface crusts on southerly aspects. Last week's storm snow continues to settle and for the most part remains unconsolidated on northerly aspects and sits over crusts on solar aspects. Feb 27 and Feb 10 weak layers are 70 to 120cm down and are more suspect on steeper solar aspects. Look for windslab on lee features up high.

Avalanche Summary

One size 2 cornice triggered slide observed on an east aspect around 2500 elevation. No new slides observed in the highway corridor.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Problems

Cornices

Ripe cornices are sporadically failing triggering persistent weak layers. Freezing levels are forecast to rise to 2500m keeping cornices touchy today. Avoid slopes below these overhead hazards.

Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

Buried crusts and associated weak layers have created persistent instabilities on solar aspects. Recent storm snow sits on top of crusts 30-50cm down. Feb 27 interface down 80-120cm still producing sudden planar results. Take the time to evaluate.

Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Mar 21st, 2016 8:00AM