Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Mar 5th, 2012 8:00AM

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

Parks Canada danyelle magnan, Parks Canada

A large avalanche cycle is ongoing. This morning several size 3.5 avalanches have run full path stopping at the end of the fans. The storm will continue today, as will the avalanche activity. Avoid all avalanche terrain.

Summary

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
Heavy snow, mild temps and strong winds formed a cohesive "upside down" slab this weekend. Skiers report easily triggering an instability within this slab, with propagations up to 100m wide. The slab has also been triggered by avalanches from above.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs
Buried surface hoar layers down over a meter continue to be reactive. Rapid loading with new snow amplified by windloading, is making these layers more reactive. They may be triggered naturally with the new load, by skiers, or cornice fall.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 4

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
New snow is being transported by strong S winds, producing windslabs and deep drifts on open slopes at all elevations. Windloading will significantly increase the load on persistent weak layers. In fatter areas, they may be more easily triggered.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Mar 6th, 2012 8:00AM