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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Feb 3rd, 2022–Feb 4th, 2022

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

New windslabs are the concern for Friday. We have removed the "Persistent Slab" problem that has dominated Kootenay Park for two months. This does not mean the layer is gone; it means the likelihood is too low to call it a "Problem".  Heads up.

Weather Forecast

The NW flow continues over the region with a pacific system embedded moving over the region starting Thursday night and through Friday. Snowfall ranges are expected between 5-15 cm with the most in westerly areas. Continued strong winds through the storm and temperatures below freezing.

Snowpack Summary

Strong winds have created windslabs in alpine and treeline areas that are reactive to skier triggers. These windslabs sit on the Jan 30 layer of surface hoar and facets and may bond poorly. This problem will build for Friday with additional snowfall and continued strong winds. Shallow snowpack areas remain weak and facetted.

Avalanche Summary

Road patrol of Hwy 93N today showed no new avalanches, but both Sunshine Village and Lake Louise ski areas reported size 1.5 windslabs triggered by skiers within their boundaries.

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.