Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 21st, 2016 8:14AM

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

percy woods, Parks Canada

Glacier.

http://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/scond/Cond_E.asp?oID=22782&oPark=100205Strong SOLAR input today. Avoid exposure to slopes hammered by the sun and consider who may be above or below you!

Summary

Weather Forecast

Sunny with cloudy periods. The late February sun will pack a punch. Intense periods of sun are expected to trigger avalanches.

Snowpack Summary

Sensitive soft slabs have formed. Mod to strong S winds Friday night have formed windslabs at higher elevations. These winds have also contributed to large fragile cornice formation. The Feb 10th persistent weak layer down 60-100cm is also a concern. This layer is expected to be most reactive on steeper solar aspects.

Avalanche Summary

A human triggered size 2 soft slab took a boarder for a 50m ride yesterday burying him waste deep, luckily without injury. This slide occurred on a steeper solar aspect. A limited number of natural avalanches were observed in the highway corridor yesterday. These slides were size 1.5-2.

Confidence

Timing or intensity of solar radiation is uncertain

Problems

Storm Slabs

Sensitive storm slabs have recently formed in the forecast area. Ridge crests, convexities, steep features, wind and SOLAR exposed terrain are locations of particular concern. Expect these slabs to be easily triggered.

Use conservative route selection, choose moderate angled and supported terrain with low consequence.If triggered the storm slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wind Slabs

Mod to strong S winds Friday night formed windslab on lee features at treeline and alpine elevations. These slabs may be sensitive to triggering and add extra load to storm slab weak layers.

Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

The Feb 10 persistent weak layer down 60-100cm is waiting to perform. It is widespread in distribution but most likely to be reactive on solar aspects. Strong SOLAR radiation today could wake this layer up.

Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Feb 22nd, 2016 8:00AM