Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 2nd, 2014 4:00PM

The alpine rating is low, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Deep Persistent Slabs.

Grant Statham, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

We carefully move the avalanche danger ratings to Low at all elevations today. We have taken our time with this, and remind people that the snowpack is not strong. Slight changes in weather will reawaken those facets.

Summary

Weather Forecast

The arctic high continues to establish itself over BC and Alberta, with temperatures for Monday expected to drop to -26; highs of -20. No snow in the forecast for the week ahead, and light winds from the north.

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack has gained strength over the past few weeks, and the facetted base layer has gone dormant for now (it will wake up again!). Snowpack tests are now producing hard results 20 cm above the ground. The current clear spell has left 10 cm of loose snow sitting on top of a bombproof windslab above treeline, and a thick crust on S & W aspects.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been observed or reported.

Confidence

The weather pattern is stable

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

This problem continues to exist at the base of the snowpack, but triggering is unlikely due to a combination of time, settlement and the bitter cold - all of which have combined to lock up the snowpack. It will reawaken once the weather changes.

Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Feb 3rd, 2014 4:00PM