Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 1st, 2012 4:00PM

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

brian webster, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Clear skies, light winds, and mild temps are forecasted through the weekend. Pay attention to rising temperatures on solar aspects as freezing levels may rise as high as 2500 m on Friday. Ice climbers should pick their routes accordingly.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain on Friday

Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent strong s.w. winds have created windslabs up to a metre thick on lee slopes in the alpine (primarily N- E aspects). Although these slabs are starting to settle out with warm temps it is still possible for a skier to trigger these slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Persistent Slabs

In many areas east of the divide where the snow is shallower the midpack overrides a layer of weak basal facets. Be extra cautious of thin snowpack areas where the chance of triggering this layer is highest.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Feb 2nd, 2012 4:00PM