Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 27th, 2013 4:00PM

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

aaron beardmore, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Expect new snow and light wind on Tuesday to refresh the skiing quality, while at the same time contributing to wind slab development.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Up to 10cm of snow will fall across the forecast region Monday night through Tuesday night. These relatively light accumulations will not significantly increase the danger rating. The wind should remain light until early Wednesday morning.

Snowpack Summary

New wind slabs are sitting on top of older hard wind slabs in alpine lee areas. The middle of the snow pack is quite faceted. The Jan 6th surface hoar can still be found in isolated areas down approximately 30cm. This layer has potential to become active when it receives a considerable amount of load.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches observed or reported today.

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Tuesday

Problems

Wind Slabs

The new snow that is forecasted to arrive will further develop the existing wind slabs that are located in alpine lee areas. Expect these wind slabs to be up to 40cm in isolated areas by Wednesday.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Jan 28th, 2013 4:00PM