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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 9th, 2015–Feb 10th, 2015
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
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
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Avalanche control will be conducted on Mt. Stephen, Mt. Dennis, and on Mt. Hector on Tuesday. Please no skiing or climbing in these areas.

Weather Forecast

A weak freeze overnight with freezing levels rising to 1800m on Tuesday. Some flurries forecasted but little in the way of accumulation.

Snowpack Summary

45 - 70 cm of recent storm overlies a crust from January 30th. The recent heavy precipitation, and warmer temperatures have created very touchy storm slabs over top of the January 30th crust interface.  Despite a weak freeze last night isothermal conditions persist at treeline and below.

Avalanche Summary

Avalanche control over the past three days in Banff, Yoho Park and Koorenay Park have produced numerous avalanches up to size 3. Many of the avalanches started dry and turned wet at lower elevations. Also, evidence of a widespread cycle up to size 3.5 throughout the forecast region. Some avalanches running close to full path.

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Fifty to 90 cm of storm snow exist on the January 30th crust interface. A poor bond exists at this interface and large avalanches have been observed running on this layer. Huge propagations are still possible.
Avoid freshly wind loaded features.If triggered the storm slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Loose Wet

A weak temperature crust overlies isothermal conditions at treeline and below elevations. Many loose wet avalanches that have gouged down to ground have been observed in past 48 hours.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

The base of the snowpack remains weak due to basal depth hoar/facets. Additional snow load, or a storm slab failure may trigger large to very large avalanches in thin snowpack areas.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 3