Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 15th, 2015 4:00PM

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

Brian Webster, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Overall the snow pack is weak and facetted and does not inspire a lot of confidence.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Cloudy with isolated flurries through to Friday. Westerly flow with moderate to strong winds at ridgetop. Freezing levels at valley bottom.

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack in this area is generally weak and facetted throughout. The Dec 18 interface is evident down 30-40 cm and is still a concern in deeper snowpack areas, but in shallower areas is facetting out. Some hard wind slabs exist in immediate lees of alpine terrain.

Avalanche Summary

No natural avalanche activity observed in past 48 hrs.

Confidence

Problems

Persistent Slabs

In shallower snowpack areas this layer is facetting out. In deeper areas this layer remains more of a concern.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

In shallower snowpack areas (most of the region) the weak base of the snowpack persists and can be triggered in steep, rocky terrain features. Patience is a virtue with this problem, as bigger terrain may not be available until later this winter.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Jan 16th, 2015 4:00PM