Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 25th, 2019 4:00PM

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

grant statham, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Watch for power sluffing! The surface snow is now so unconsolidated that almost all steep slopes will sluff. If the terrain is long and steep enough (ice climbs, couloirs, gullies) then be prepared to manage a mass of loose snow flowing around you.

Summary

Weather Forecast

The arctic ridge continues to dominate the area for the next few days. More clear skies, light north winds and very cold temperatures. Mornings are cold (today was -30) but if you can find a sheltered spot in the sun at around 1:00 pm, then you're in luck and it might reach -10!

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack is stable, but with each passing day it becomes weaker and more unconsolidated as the cold temperatures facet the surface layers. Surface conditions are a mix of wind effect or 30 cm of loose facets sitting over an old layer of surface hoar and crust (Jan 17) down 40-60 cm. Snowpack tests show hard, resistent shears on this layer.

Avalanche Summary

One small, fresh windslab was observed near Sunshine Village today - size 1 triggered by a small cornice fall. The sluffing is becoming an issue in steep terrain. Today in Kootenay Park we triggered large sluffs on steep slopes (> 40 degrees) at treeline that would definitely take you for an ugly ride.

Confidence

Due to the number and quality of field observations

Problems

Loose Dry

A sustained period of cold weather has created weak, dry, faceted surface snow. In steep terrain, these facets are easily triggered and can quickly gain enough mass to affect skiers and climbers, especially in gullies.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Wind Slabs

We expect a few lingering windslabs, but for the most part these slabs are old and are likely only to be found in very steep or extreme terrain near wind exposed ridge crests. Pay close attention to the feeling of the surface snow under your feet.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 26th, 2019 4:00PM