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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 3rd, 2017–Feb 4th, 2017
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Snowfall amounts are uncertain this weekend but if a significant amount arrives expect avalanche activity on the deep persistent layer.

Weather Forecast

A low over the coast is spreading a stream of moisture to the Southern Rockies while competing polar air overlies our forecast area. The amount of snow that arrives depends on which of these two air masses is the strongest and where the boundary between them ends up varying between 10 and 30cm. Temps and winds will be equally difficult to predict.

Snowpack Summary

Previous strong to extreme W winds have created harder wind pressed surfaces at treeline and above. Surface hoar may be found buried in sheltered locations. Generally the midpack is weak at TL and above, and the entire snowpack is weak BTL. Near the divide, deeper snow-packs are a bit stronger and more supportive.

Avalanche Summary

We had a small avalanche cycle this past weekend due to big winds, but as temperatures have cooled and winds abated, the activity has slowed down significantly. No new avalanches reported or observed Thursday or Friday.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Saturday

Avalanche Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

The snowpack is weak. Slopes where a slab sits over the deeper weak layers should be treated as suspect. Increasing load and further slab development will make these slabs more sensitive through the weekend.
Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.Use conservative route selection, choose moderate angled and supported terrain with low consequence.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 3