Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 21st, 2012 8:00AM

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

danyelle magnan, Parks Canada

Glacier.

Avalanche danger will increase today. A frontal system will shock-load the snowpack: temperatures will rise significantly (20 degree change in 24hrs), moderate precipitation (another 10-15cm forecast today) and SW'ly winds will increase.

Summary

Problems

Loose Dry

25 cm of very light density new snow overlies small facets on soft slabs. Yesterday's field teams were remotely triggering small sluffs, indicating this interface is very touchy. The new snow will sluff in steep terrain and slab as temps rise.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wind Slabs

10-15cm thick soft slabs were formed by variable winds on exposed terrain. They are now hidden under 25cm of new snow and will be harder to identify. Expect them on all open slopes and use caution on cross loaded and gully features today.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Jan 22nd, 2012 8:00AM