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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 28th, 2013–Mar 1st, 2013
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
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
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

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Snow to begin tonight with greatest amounts on the Wapta, along the Divide and West of it. Far less is expected on the East side. The hazard will increase accordingly. Expect new slab development with strong west winds.  We may see rain to 1800 m. LP

Weather Forecast

A significant system moves into the area tonight through to Sunday.  Freezing levels will rise to 1800 m (rain at lower elevations) and snow is expected with strong west winds.  Amounts will be greatest along the divide and west of it, much less is expected East of the divide. Amounts are uncertain, but we can expect the hazard to rise.

Snowpack Summary

Throughout the region there are some fresh wind slabs up to 25 cm thick in immediate lee resting over more stubborn hard slabs. West of the divide the mid-pack is generally well settled and the East side the mid-pack is faceted. The early January surface hoar is down ~50 cm in some areas but is unreactive to slope and field tests. 

Avalanche Summary

A skier accidental size 2.5 occurred on a steep cross loaded feature in the National Geographics, near Lake Louise, click here for image: https://on.fb.me/15m3Ghd (francais: https://on.fb.me/YL9MWx). It was triggered from the upper circle and the skier got out at the lower circle.  The hard slab was 40-60 cm thick and ran the full length of the path.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Soft and hard windslabs 10-60 cm thick exist in the lees of features.  Fresh slabs will form with the incoming storm and will likely be touchy.  This may overload existing wind slabs.  A natural avalanche cycle is likely over the next few days.
Avoid freshly wind loaded features.Even small avalanches may run a long ways under the current conditions.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3