Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 30th, 2012 4:00PM

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

ian jackson, Avalanche Canada

Little Yoho.

We will be conducting avalanche control on Mt. Bourgeau (Banff) and Mt. Whymper (Kootenay) on Tuesday, January 31st. Please, no outdoor activities in these areas tomorrow.

Summary

Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent winds and snow have created windslabs up to a meter thick on lee slopes on N- E aspects. These sit on previous windslabs and facetted snow, and are especially touchy in wind effected areas in the alpine.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Storm Slabs

10-40 cm of snow has fallen in the last 48h, with the most snow West of the divide. This snow came in warm and is bonding well, but is more reactive in wind effected areas in the alpine and thin areas such as open glades below tree line in Kootenay

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

The basal facets are more of a concern in thinner snowpack areas east of the divide, and in Kootenay park. Confidence in bigger alpine terrain is still low because of the high winds that have scoured the alpine this year, creating many thin spots.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Jan 31st, 2012 4:00PM