Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 21st, 2014 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 and Wind Slabs.

snow safety, Parks Canada

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

Summary

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

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

Valid until: Jan 22nd, 2014 4:00PM