Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 24th, 2013 4:00PM

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

Aaron Beardmore, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Big wind from the south and new snow is creating fresh wind slabs on North and North East aspects. Use caution on these aspects at high elevations.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Moderate to strong westerly wind with accompanying precipitation (up to 15cm) will hold the danger rating at considerable in the alpine. As the wind and precip subside (Tues/Weds) the new snow will have a chance to settle and the danger rating will subsequently drop.

Snowpack Summary

Fresh wind slabs overlie a variety of other hard and soft wind slabs from the last week or so. In a study plot today, snowpack tests produced no results and showed a relatively well bonded mid-snowpack. Also observed in the plot were remnants of the Jan 6th surface hoar and a decomposing Nov crust.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches observed or reported.

Confidence

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

Problems

Wind Slabs

Moderate to strong South wind today is building slabs in lee areas (yes...again). Slab thickness and sensitivity will be variable depending on the local area.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Feb 25th, 2013 4:00PM