Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 21st, 2014–Jan 22nd, 2014

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

The potential remains to trigger deep slabs on steeper terrain especially in thinner snowpack areas. Lots of good riding can be found on moderate angled terrain. JBW

Weather Forecast

The upper warm ridge will continue to deflect any major precipitation and keep temperatures moderate at least through the weekend. This will give a slowly stabilizing trend to the snowpack.

Snowpack Summary

Surface hoar growing. Midpack pencil with no significant shears. Sudden collapse at base in old DH and on top of Crust in the very hard range. Potential for human triggering in thin areas.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Thin areas and steep terrain that has not yet avalanched should be avoided. Thicker moderate angled terrain with low consequences would be a good choice.

Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, and shooting cracks.Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 4

Wind Slabs

These slabs are fairly isolated now, but could cause a deep step down avalanche if triggered.

Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.Travel on ridgetops to avoid wind slabs on slopes below.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2