Avalog
Register
Get forecast notifications
Create an account to receive email notifications when forecasts are published.
Register
Login
Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 9th, 2021–Feb 10th, 2021
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
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.

Extreme cold continues. Leave extra margin for daylight and distance from vehicle. Minor incidents will be amplified exponentially in the current conditions.

Weather Forecast

Severe cold continues to dominate the forecast region, and its going to get colder, bottoming out on Thurs. Very chilly. The good news is, the wind will remain at the moderate level from the West. Cloud cover on Weds then clearing again on Thurs/Fri.

Snowpack Summary

Previous winds from all directions have redistributed the recent 30-60cm of low density storm snow into wind slab in the alpine and exposed areas at tree line. In sheltered areas the recent storm snow remains loose powder. Buried sun crust and facets on steep south aspects. Treeline snow depths range from 150-220cm.

Avalanche Summary

Avalanche control produced thin slabs (~25cm deep) up to size 2 on Mt. Whymper this afternoon. Additionally, an explosive controlled size 3 cornice was triggered, which was mostly cornice chunks entraining surface snow. Also of note, last week there were three avalanches up to size 1.5 reported on south aspects below treeline.

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations on Tuesday

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs recently formed from variable winds are still a concern, but are becoming stubborn with the cold temperatures. Local alpine winds may elevate the hazard in areas where loose snow is available for transport.

  • Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5