Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Apr 11th, 2012 8:11AM

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

sylvia forest, Parks Canada

Glacier.

Daytime warming is the biggest concern today. The snowpack can change from mostly stable to very unstable rapidly at this time of year. Watch for cornices, glide cracks, and small avalanches that could trigger larger ones.

Summary

Problems

Loose Wet

Loose avalanches are likely as the day warms up in steep terrain facing the sun. Warm temps up to 9 C and little overnight freezing means it will take very little warming today to cause avalanches. Use extra caution below rock outcrops and trees.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wet Slabs

The storm snow from last week has settled into a cohesive slab above the March 27 crust. Slabs failures on this layer were observed yesterday on south aspects above and below tree line. Loose moist avalanches today are likely to trigger this layer.

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

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

The Feb 8th layer is a concern again as large moist avalanches dig to deeper layers. Cornice fall and large glide crack releases are more likely under rapid warming conditions.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Apr 12th, 2012 8:00AM