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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Mar 16th, 2014–Mar 17th, 2014

Alpine
Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.
Treeline
Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.
Below Treeline
Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Regions

Little Yoho.

Although the storm is easing off, avalanches are still ripe for human triggering. Sticking to simple terrain is wise until things settle down.

Weather Forecast

The storm is already starting to taper off. However, given the recent new snow load, the danger rating will remain high. Expect little in the way of precip until Wednesday. Additionally temps will drop slightly and winds will die down. Overall the weather inputs over the next week will do little to improve the danger rating dramatically.

Snowpack Summary

The Lake Louise area received 35cm + of storm snow overnight, less in the Sunshine area (17cm). The new snow now puts the Feb.10th layer is down 80-140cm and is still showing easy to moderate test results in thinner snowpack areas, and harder results in deeper snowpack areas. Areas with buried sun crust are especially touchy.

Avalanche Summary

Parks Canada responded to a skier accidental size 3 yesterday with involvement. One person was fully buried and dug out by his companions in approx 15min. The subject was critically injured. It occurred on Helen Shoulder on a SW aspect in a large avalanche path facing 93N. Today, evidence of a widespread cycle up to size 3 was noted in Yoho.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Wednesday

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) in the middle to upper snowpack, when the bond to an underlying persistent weak layer breaks. Persistent layers include: surface hoar, depth hoar, near-surface facets, or faceted snow. Persistent weak layers can continue to produce avalanches for days, weeks or even months, making them especially dangerous and tricky. As additional snow and wind events build a thicker slab on top of the persistent weak layer, this avalanche problem may develop into a Deep Persistent Slab.

Storm Slabs

Storm Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer (a slab) of new snow that breaks within new snow or on the old snow surface. Storm-slabs typically last between a few hours and few days (following snowfall). Storm-slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.