Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 2nd, 2015 4:41PM

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

grant statham, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Backcountry conditions have improved dramatically with an additional 20 cm of light powder. This is fluffy stuff with little cohesion; ice climbers should expect sluffs and skiers should be alert for blowing snow which will change things immediately.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Westerly flow continues with the storm track now positioned directly over the area. No significant systems embedded for the next few days, so expect light flurries with only a few cm of accumulation for Tuesday and Wednesday. Light winds continue to be forecast. A significant system will cross the region on Thursday with of 20 cm expected by Sat.

Snowpack Summary

20-25 cm low density snow now sit on the Jan 30 crust. The dominant feature of the last 24-hours has been light winds and cold, dry snow with minimal windslab formation, but we expect isolated pockets of soft slab above 2300 m. The very weak base of depth hoar continues to dominate the region, with moderate compression test 25 cm above the ground.

Avalanche Summary

Loose snow sluffing from cliff areas was observed today, but no new slab avalanches were reported or observed.

Confidence

Wind speed and direction is uncertain

Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent snow has left up to 20 cm of light powder on the snow surface, improving the conditions significantly. Light winds have done little to move this snow, but any increase in wind and we expect windslabs to form. Watch out for blowing snow.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

The base of the snowpack remains weak due to basal depth hoar/facets. Continue to avoid large open slopes with shallow snow and rocks, as this is the kind of place where this deep weakness could be triggered.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Feb 3rd, 2015 4:00PM