Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 25th, 2012 4:00PM

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

Chris Gooliaff, Parks Canada

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

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

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

Valid until: Jan 26th, 2012 4:00PM