Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 1st, 2012–Feb 2nd, 2012

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: 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.

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain on Friday

Avalanche 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