Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 5th, 2012 4:00PM

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

Aaron Beardmore, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

While still under the influence of the high pressure weather system, expect minimal change. The current conditions do not preclude anomalous situations high in the alpine on steep terrain features. See avalanche in problem one.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

The weather pattern is stable

Problems

Wind Slabs

Windslabs exist up to a metre thick on lee slopes in the alpine. Solar aspects have greater likelihood of natural activity in the PM. Skiers triggered a size 2 avalanche, SW aspect high on Mt. Balfour. See picture @ acmg.ca/mcr.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Cornices

These are weakening in the sun with the inverted temperatures, and numerous collapses have been reported over the last 24 hours which can entrain wet snow, or be a big enough trigger to initiate a slab avalanche.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Feb 6th, 2012 4:00PM