Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 17th, 2019 4:00PM

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

snow safety, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Basal instabilities can result in large avalanches with high consequences. Thinner snowpack areas will be more touchy and prone to avalanche. Make conservative choices.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A little snow, then some wind and snow on Saturday and moderately cool temps are forecast. We may see some windslabs develop Saturday depending on intensity and amounts. The main storm is forecast to travel south of us.

Snowpack Summary

Solar crusts on some steep SE to West slopes at TL. Surface hoar development at treeline. In thick snowpack areas, the Dec 10th weak layer of facets is now down 100-150cm with a stronger snowpack below. In thin snowpack areas, there is little separation between Dec 10 and the weak depth hoar/ facets sitting 40 cm above the ground

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches observed or reported today.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

The weak facets and depth hoar just above the ground have an significant 50-140cm thick slab sitting above them. This slab has been hardened by wind effect TL and above. Activity is tapering, but human triggering is still possible and consequential.

Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.Be aware of the potential for wide propagations which could result in large avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3.5

Valid until: Jan 18th, 2019 4:00PM