Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 18th, 2012 4:00PM

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

chris gooliaff, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Scattered flurries and moderate west winds are forecast for the remainder of the weekend. Only isolated areas in the alpine have enough of a slab on top of the Valentine's weak layer to be a concern. They will be sensitive to triggering where present

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Problems

Wind Slabs

The Valentines surface hoar, facets will be buried anywhere from 5 cm - 30cm where drifted in on the immediate lees of ridge crests. These wind slabs will be thicker West of the divide and have received a small additional load today.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Dry

In steep areas mainly West of the divide, watch out for new snow sloughing on surface hoar, facets or suncrust on steep solar aspects. This will increase with additional new snow.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1

Cornices

Large cornices on lee (mostly easterly) aspects still loom high overhead. Several large cornice collapses have been observed over the past week. The volume of cornice debris would be very detrimental to your day.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 19th, 2012 4:00PM