Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 24th, 2016 4:00PM

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

aaron beardmore, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

The natural cycle from the last two days is tapering off. However, remain vigilant in your terrain and route choices.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Expect light cloud cover and temps between -2 and -8 with no precip until Tues, at which time an increase in wind from the west with rising temperatures will become inputs that raise the danger rating.

Snowpack Summary

15-25cm of storm snow sit on top of the Jan 4th layer. Wind-slabs as thick as 60cm can be found in high elevation lee areas. Below the Jan 4th layer there is weak faceted snow in the upper snowpack and while the mid and lower pack are supportive in thick areas, thin areas are faceted out completely.

Avalanche Summary

One size 2 avalanche was observed on Observation Peak. the slide was approx 24 hours old. It was located in the lee of a cross-loaded alpine feature that was easily visible from the highway.

Confidence

Track of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Wednesday

Problems

Wind Slabs

Many ridgecrest features have been loaded by S and SW winds with the recent storm and new cornice growth is evident.

Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Dry

The new surface snow and underlying sugary facets continue to produce impressive sluff avalanches that run powerfully in steep terrain. Avoid large or confined terrain features where these events can gather mass and speed.

On steep slopes, pull over periodically or cut into a new line to manage sluffing.Good group management is essential to manage current conditions safely.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 25th, 2016 4:00PM