Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 18th, 2017 4:00PM

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

snow safety, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Watch for prolonged sunny periods. Avoid big open slopes for a few days while the storm snow bonds.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Light snow and cool temperatures are expected to continue. Watch for possible prolonged sun on exposed slopes.

Snowpack Summary

Recent warmer temperatures and snowfall have left stormslabs and windslabs in open areas at treeline and above. New snow depths range from 45cm in some areas of Yoho to 10-25 throughout the rest of the area. The midpack is a variable combination of facets and strength depending on location and altitude. Easy test results on the new snow interface.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported today but visibility was poor.

Confidence

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

The midpack in most areas is weak and facetted. Any slab sitting overtop of this weakness should be considered suspect. While these slabs may be difficult to trigger, the result could be a large avalanche.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Wind Slabs

Moderate to strong south and sw winds have scoured the alpine and created some new windslabs in alpine and some treeline features.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 19th, 2017 4:00PM