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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Feb 4th, 2022–Feb 5th, 2022

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

The current storm looks to be bringing more of the promised wind than snow: continue to monitor slab development.  While we have dropped the persistent slab as an avalanche problem, the Dec 2 FC/CR has not gone away: keep it in mind especially in KNP

Weather Forecast

The current storm is expected to bring 5 to 10 cm through Sunday morning. West winds in the moderate to strong range are expected in the alpine with temperatures reaching around -5C at treeline and -12C in the alpine Saturday afternoon. By midday Sunday, winds should diminish and clearing can be expected with some further warming.

Snowpack Summary

Moderate winds continue to redistribute the 10 to 30cm that has accumulated over the Jan 30 crust, surface hoar and wind effect. Hard slabs can be found in alpine. While slab development at treeline is only starting yet these are more likely to overlay a sun crust or surface hoar. Shallow snowpack areas remain weak and faceted.

Avalanche Summary

Both of the ski hills have reported working with stubborn hard slabs in the alpine over the last couple of days. A sz 1.5 skier accidental was reported yesterday in the alpine of one of the Healy Creek paths, and another, right at treeline in one of the "Simpson " road paths in KNP: sz 1.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Saturday

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.