Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Jan 15 – 16, 2014Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

Expect slopes that have not previously avalanched to be highly suspect. However, natural activity is starting to subside. The forecast region is looking at a considerable hazard rating for the foreseeable future.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–3
    Unlike the deep persistent slab problem, the storm slabs will eventually start to bond to underlying surfaces over the coming days.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    2–4
    Expect to see less natural activity concerning this layer, however, it is still ripe for human triggering. If triggered, expect large and destructive avalanches with fracture lines up to 200cm deep.

Weather Forecast

There is a clearing trend developing. Between Wednesday and Friday expect sunny periods, very little precip and temps just under zero degrees. However, the deep persistent slab problem will still linger even though there will be limited inputs into the snowpack over the coming days.

Snowpack Summary

Basal weaknesses have been overloaded with accumulations of new snow (90cm+) and massive wind-loading. This new snow load has started a major avalanche cycle that has only started to taper off as of today.

Avalanche Summary

Avalanche control produce large avalanches up to size 3.5 in areas that had not been previously controlled this season. Some had enough force to break mature timber. Additionally there was a skier accidental size 2 in west bowl that caught a party of 3, one fully buried however no injuries. The evidence of a large cycle is present, even BTL.

Confidence

The weather pattern is stable

Regions covered