Avalog
Register
Get forecast notifications
Create an account to receive email notifications when forecasts are published.
Register
Login
Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 5th, 2014–Jan 6th, 2014
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
4: High
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be high
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: 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.

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

Avalanche 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