Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 16th, 2014 4:02PM

The alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Persistent Slabs and Wind Slabs.

aaron beardmore, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Storm and wind slabs are still touchy in the alpine.

Summary

Weather Forecast

The track and intensity of the incoming storm has changed since yesterday. Overall, slightly less precip is now expected. This means, approx 30cm is forecasted in the North (Bow Summit) and 20cm(ish) in the south (Sunshine). However, the slight change will have little effect on the danger rating, which will still be high in the alpine.

Snowpack Summary

The biggest change to the snowpack is wind. Mod to strong wind through out the forecast region has been perpetuating the development of wind slabs, now up to 40cm deep. Additionally, below the recent storm snow expect to find a well settled snowpack.

Avalanche Summary

Numerous avalanches up to size 2 were observed on Mt. Dennis and Mt. Burgess today. (potentially 24 hours old). Additionally, a natural size 2 avalanche was reported on Quartz Ridge near Sunshine Village. A reliable source indicated that it went today.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Tuesday

Problems

Persistent Slabs

This layer is still touchy. Expect it to be most reactive on south aspects near tree-line. Typically, it will be about 40cm thick.

Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, and shooting cracks.The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wind Slabs

Mod/strong wind today has developed this layer further. Expect it to be most reactive in the alpine on all aspects. In places, these wind slabs could be 60cm thick.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.Avoid areas with overhead hazard.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Feb 17th, 2014 4:00PM