Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 14th, 2013 4:00PM

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

aaron beardmore, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

An increase in wind and temperature starting Wednesday will elevate the avalanche danger. There is concern that the Jan 6 layer could 'wake-up' because of these changes. Plan your trips accordingly.

Summary

Weather Forecast

The wind is expected to increase significantly on Tuesday. This will transport the recent storm snow in lee areas creating wind slabs. Additionally, temperatures are expected to rise to near zero by Tuesday afternoon. The dual inputs of increasing wind and rising temperatures will raise the danger rating to considerable on Wednesday.

Snowpack Summary

Snow pack test today reveals 20cm of settled storm snow sitting on top of the Jan 6th interface at the Sunshine Village study plot. Below this, a predominantly faceted snowpack exists. The height of snow was 135cm and no significant shears were noted during compression tests.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches observed or reported today.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Wednesday

Problems

Persistent Slabs

The recent storm snow has mostly settled, which subsequently has created the problem of persistent slabs. Although there has been little recent avalanche activity concerning this problem, there is still potential.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Jan 15th, 2013 4:00PM