Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 26th, 2012 8:17AM

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

sylvia forest, Parks Canada

Glacier.

A series of storms will pass through the area today through the weekend, with a slight break tomorrow. Moderate winds and continued loading today will keep the hazard elevated. Another system forecast for the weekend will bump up the hazard again.

Summary

Problems

Storm Slabs

Another 20cm of new snow fell overnight with south winds. 40-60cm of storm snow now rests on the cold snow interface (Jan 20). Numerous large avalanches to size 3.5 are failing on this layer.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

2 - 4

Loose Dry

In protected areas below treeline, unconsolidated storm snow will sluff on steep terrain with potential for significant mass. Tree wells will be deep, and snow will easily pile up in terrain traps.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wind Slabs

Intense S-SW winds yesterday soured windward slopes, and likely created hard slabs in many alpine areas. Heavy drifting and loading can be expected at treeline on lee aspects.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Jan 27th, 2012 8:00AM