Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 29th, 2015 4:00PM

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

Grant Statham, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

As we approach our annual February period of low danger at all elevations, a reminder that low danger does not mean no danger! Particularly with the kind of facetted, weak snowpack that exists - move into bigger terrain very carefully.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A westerly flow continues, with no significant systems moving through the area for the next 24-hours. Expect Friday to be sunny with some clouds, particularly late in the day. Temperatures will range from 0 to -8, andÂ expect 3-5 cm of snow overnight on Friday. This might just freshen up the ski quality for Saturday.

Snowpack Summary

After a period of very warm weather, the return to colder weather has improved the stability of the snowpack. A very weak base still exists, and moderate compression tests (sudden collapse) failing in depth hoar 25 cm above the ground are being observed in many locations across the parks. We remain cautious of large, open slopes above treeline.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed or reported today.

Confidence

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Despite the low danger ratings, the deep snowpack remains weak. Avoidance of large open slopes with shallow, rocky areas remains a good idea. Even in low danger there are places that should be avoided.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Jan 30th, 2015 4:00PM