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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Jan 5th, 2020–Jan 6th, 2020

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Alpine
Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Regions

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Avalanche Control is planned for Highway 93South and the Trans Canada Highway Monday (click links for more info) Be aware of reactive new storm and windslabs as well as the potential for avalanches on the deep persistent layer to reach run outs.

Weather Forecast

Another cold front reaches the forecast area early Sunday eventing: winds will spike again, and temperatures are forecast to drop still further to -18C in the alpine. An additional 10cm can be expected overnight before a break early Monday morning. Another warm front will approach late Monday with rising temps and increased likelihood of snow.

Snowpack Summary

20-40 cm of storm snow, strong Westerly winds and mild temperatures is promoting storm and wind slab formation. At tree line, new snow sits on pockets of surface hoar in sheltered areas and sun crust on steep solar aspects. Generally, the upper snowpack of denser snow sits over a weaker lower snowpack consisting of facets, depth hoar and crusts.

Avalanche Summary

A decrease in natural activity today following a spike yesterday with strong winds. A size 3 on Mt. Field, a size 2.5 on Vermillion Peak, and another size 2.5 slide in the Sunshine area were directly observed Saturday. SSV avalanche control crews reported touchy and widespread wind slabs today particulary in N and E facing alpine terrain.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Monday

Problems

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Deep Persistent Slabs

Deep Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a thick cohesive layer of hard snow (a slab), when the bond breaks between the slab and an underlying persistent weak layer deep in the snowpack. The most common persistent weak layers involved in deep, persistent slabs are depth hoar or facets surrounding a deeply buried crust. Deep Persistent Slabs are typically hard to trigger, are very destructive and dangerous due to the large mass of snow involved, and can persist for months once developed. They are often triggered from areas where the snow is shallow and weak, and are particularly difficult to forecast for and manage.

Loose Dry

Loose Dry avalanches are the release of dry unconsolidated snow and typically occur within layers of soft snow near the surface of the snowpack. These avalanches start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-dry avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs.