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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 14th, 2020–Feb 15th, 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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
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.

You can't outsmart the basal facets and depth hoar, especially in thinner snowpack areas where they are well preserved.  Terrain choice will be your best defense. Good ski quality and coverage in many areas.

Weather Forecast

Westerly winds will stay in the moderate to strong range on Saturday.  Highs of -5C at valley bottom and  -12C in the alpine. 3-5cm expected Saturday and 3-5 on Sunday.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 30cm over the last few days sits over top of a well settled upper and mid-pack. The lower snowpack (bottom 50cm) consists of weaker facets and depth hoar which are well preserved in areas under 150cm. These are still producing moderate shears with snowpack tests. Isolated wind slabs exist near ridge tops and lee terrain in the alpine.

Avalanche Summary

No natural activity observed. The ski-hills reported small wind-slabs in the alpine and some moderate cornice development (described as fridge sized).

Confidence

Wind effect is extremely variable

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

While winds stay elevated, wind-slabs can be expected near ridge-tops and lee terrain in the alpine.

  • Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.
  • If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

Several larger avalanches failing on the basal facet/depth hoar have been observed in the past week. This problem is more susceptible to triggering in areas with a thin snowpack (~150cm) where they are well preserved and are hard to predict.

  • Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could easily trigger the deep persistent slab.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1.5 - 3.5