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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 1st, 2020–Mar 2nd, 2020
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
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
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
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Strong to Extreme alpine winds Monday will continue to develop the wind slab problem at upper elevations. Limit your exposure to overhead hazards like cornices.

Weather Forecast

Increased in cloud cover Monday with scattered flurries through the day. Alpine wind values will stay sustained at 70-90 KM/H from the SW. Expect freezing levels to 1500m. We could see an additional 5cm of snow accumulation Monday night.

Snowpack Summary

5-10cm of new snow with strong SW winds forming new wind slab in the alpine down to tree line. Watch for buried sun crust on steep solar aspects. The Feb 1 rain crust is down 30-60 cm and present below 1900 m. In thin snow pack areas a dense mid-pack sits over a weak, faceted base. Thick snowpack areas have a denser base with few weaknesses.

Avalanche Summary

Direct observations of several small avalanches initiated from strong SW winds were reported Sunday afternoon. Ski hills reported newly formed reactive wind slab specific to immediate lee.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

New wind slab development in the alpine and exposed areas at tree line. Expect these to be reactive to human triggering in the immediate lee of terrain features.

  • Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.
  • Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

Avalanche activity on the basal facets has slowed down but the weakness in the snowpack remains a concern. These are hard to predict, but are most likely in areas with a thin snowpack (<130cm) where the basal facets and depth hoar are prominent.

  • Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could easily trigger the deep persistent slab.
  • Use caution in thin snowpack areas.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3.5