Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 18th, 2019 4:00PM

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

snow safety, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Basal instabilities can result in large avalanches with high consequences. Thinner snowpack areas will be more touchy and prone to avalanche. Make conservative choices.

Summary

Weather Forecast

10 to 15 cm is expected in the alpine by Saturday night. SW winds are expected to be in the moderate range for the same period. Windslabs would be expected to develop.

Snowpack Summary

40 to 60cm of settled snow sits on large facetted grains of varying strength. Treeline snow depths generally range from 100 to 150 cm. The facets in the lower portion of the snowpack are failing in tests often in the moderate range. Alpine, and open treeline areas can have great variability in snow depth and layering due to local winds.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches observed or reported today.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

The weak facets and depth hoar just above the ground have an significant 50-140cm thick slab sitting above them. This slab has been hardened by wind effect TL and above. Activity is tapering, but human triggering is still possible and consequential.

Be aware of the potential for wide propagations which could result in large avalanches.Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3.5

Wind Slabs

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 19th, 2019 4:00PM