Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 8th, 2013 4:00PM

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

snow safety, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Looks like a great weekend of weather ahead. Bumped the treeline hazard up due to clear skies forecasted for Sunday & Monday may make any residual windslabs, if found, slightly more reactive in heat of the day.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A weak system passing tomorrow will bring cloud for Saturday, clearing in the afternoon. Sunday should be clear and a northerly wind will help keep tempertures cool with alpine highs of -7. The solar component is a consideration for climbers where it may cause localized sluffing off cliffs into gully features on steep solar aspects.

Snowpack Summary

Another light dusting of low density new snow overtop of wind slab (in alpine lee terrain) or previously facetted surfaces. East of the divide the mid-pack at treeline and below is well facetted but supportive to skiers. The early January surface hoar can still be found down 35-45 cm in some locations, but is proving unreactive to skier triggering.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches reported or observed

Confidence

The weather pattern is stable

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs from recent strong winds persist. In some areas these slabs are now covered by a light layer snow and may not be as obvious to see. Areas of most concern are lee terrain near ridge tops and isolated treeline features East of the divide.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 9th, 2013 4:00PM