Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 25th, 2012–Jan 26th, 2012

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

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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

The 15-25cm of snow from the last 24 hours is being redistributed by strong to extreme west winds. Reports from the local ski hills confirm that soft slabs are rapidly developing in ridge-top lee areas. Expect another 5-10cm overnight with west winds

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

At treeline 30-50 cm of settled storm snow sits overtop of the Jan 20 facet interface. Where the wind has created soft slabs this layer is touchy and reactive to skier triggering. Immediate lees of ridges above treeline are the areas of most concern.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

In most parts of the forecast area a settled midpack overlies a weak facetted base. Be aware of steep shallow snowpack areas where the likelihood of triggering these basal facets is highest. The basal facets are still reactive in the Lake Louise b/c.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3