Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 30th, 2015 4:00PM

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

stephen holeczi, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

The hazard has decreased but forecaster confidence is limited. Be very cautious about route options and remain aware of your surroundings as you travel. Ski quality is rugged especially below treeline. Ice climbing conditons are awesome!

Summary

Weather Forecast

Winds will be westerly and moderate beginning this evening with light snowfall.Â FL's up to 1500 meters tonight.Â Through the weekend the flow will shift to NW aloft and then back westerly again on Sunday with light precipitation amounts and a cooling trend going into the beginning of next week

Snowpack Summary

Last weekend's big warming of the snowpack and the recent freezing has strengthened the upper and mid section of the snowpack. However, it is important to remember that n the shallower eastern regions of the continental divide the snow pack still has rotten basal facets so caution is still advised when considering more aggressive terrain.

Avalanche Summary

There has been very little natural activity in the past few days with the exception of some size 2 explosive results yesterday in Lake Louise. Human triggered avalanches are still possible and cautious terrain selection is still strongly advised in spite of the Low rating.

Confidence

Due to the quality of field observations on Saturday

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Despite the low danger ratings, the deep snowpack remains weak. Avoidance of large open slopes with shallow, rocky areas remains a good idea. Even in low danger there are places that should be avoided.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 2

Valid until: Jan 31st, 2015 4:00PM