Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Jan 5 – 6, 2015Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Light snow accumulations expected over the next 48 hours. Danger rating will rise to considerable in the alpine. Remain vigilant when making terrain choices.

Avalanche problems

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–3
    The overall structure of the snowpack remains weak and not confidence inspiring. Big features and steep terrain at treeline and above are still suspect and should be approached with caution.

Weather Forecast

Up to 20cm in the next 48 hours at high elevations may just be enough new snow load to tip the scale and increase the avalanche danger to considerable (in the alpine). Expect temperatures to rise to approximately -10 with moderate NW wind as the system approaches the forecast region.

Snowpack Summary

80-120cm exists across the region. The main weakness is the basal facets and depth hoar. Compression test results were moderate in the Stanley Valley today. The Dec18 surface hoar is down ~20cm, but does not currently have enough snow load above it to be of concern. In the alpine, thin windslabs can be found in isolated, wind exposed areas.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed or reported today.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Monday

Regions covered