Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 17th, 2012 8:06AM

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

catherine brown, Parks Canada

Glacier.

Frostbite is a concern today with alpine temperatures forecast below -15 and winds from the west 30 to 50 km/h. Watch for settling storm snow and wind effect to create cohesive slabs on lee and cross loaded features in the alpine and treeline.

Summary

Problems

Loose Dry

It has snowed 65cm of light dry powder over the last 4 days. This snow will sluff in steeper terrain, especially where not avalanched. Winds over the last three days have effected this snow in exposed terrain. Use caution where soft slabs are exist.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs continue to remain a concern at high elevations in the alpine. Use caution in the lee of alpine ridge crests and on cross loaded features. Sluffs in the new snow may trigger this layer causing larger avalanches.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Storm Slabs

A freezing rain crust down 50 - 60cm is more prevalent west of Rogers Pass summit, shows signs of strengthening but skier triggering remains possible. This layer may be triggered by avalanches triggered higher in the snowpack.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Jan 18th, 2012 8:00AM