Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 5th, 2014 5:22PM

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

Grant Statham, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Large avalanches are occurring and there have been several close calls. Heed the advice and keep it mellow!Avalanche control on Mt. Bosworth, Field and Stephen in YNP, and Mt. Whymper and Vermillion in KNP on Monday. No outdoor activities please.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A mix of sun and cloud is forecast for Monday, with no snowfall expected. The cold temperatures will continues: expect lows of -21 and highs of -13 with winds from the north. Higher elevations may see some strong winds. No significant snowfall is forecast for the next few days.

Snowpack Summary

The 20 cm of storm snow from Thursday and Friday has tipped the balance and overloaded the weak, facetted snowpack. Windslabs have formed at higher elevations, and much snow remains available for wind transport in the days ahead. Although cold temperatures normally strengthen the snowpack, don't trust that theory now; the deep weakness prevails.

Avalanche Summary

A widespread avalanche cycle is occurring. We observed too many size 2's to mention, but size 2.5 or larger natural, explosive and human triggered avalanches in Corral Creek, Emerald Lake, Mt. Richardson, Numa Creek, Serac Creek and Floe Lake - we responded to two very close calls, and were amazed at the number of avalanches that occurred today.

Confidence

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Large, deep slabs are occurring naturally and from human triggers. The recent snow has tipped the scale and all avalanche terrain should is suspect. Numerous avalanches have been triggered from long distances away. Avoid avalanche terrain!

Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, and shooting cracks.Avoid all avalanche terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 4

Wind Slabs

Windslabs have formed over the last 48-hours, and this trend will continue over the next few days as strong north winds are forecast at higher elevations. Small avalanches are likely to step down and release larger avalanches on the deep layers.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.Avoid freshly wind loaded features.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 6th, 2014 4:00PM