Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 23rd, 2012 8:13AM

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

eric dafoe, Parks Canada

Glacier.

Watch for periods of intense solar inputs this afternoon. Sat. freezing levels rise to 1500m with mild temperatures. On Sun very mild temps and freezing levels to 2500m. Clear skies over the weekend. The sun hits E asp in the AM.

Summary

Problems

Loose Dry

Convective showers over the past 3 days have deposited new snow over a variety of surfaces. Expect sluffing to small avalanches. Periods of intense solar could turn loose dry to wet on S-W aspects this afternoon.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Cornices

Most ridges throughout the Park have massive cornices. Cornices could fail today with rising temperatures under strong solar radiation. Cornice failure is unpredictable. Be aware of the overhead hazard on your approach.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Deep Persistent Slabs

No recent activity reported on this layer down 1-5-2 meters. Skiers are unlikely to fail this layer, but consequences are high if this layer does fail. Cornice failure or mass from loose snow avalanches could trigger this layer.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Mar 24th, 2012 8:00AM