Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Feb 14 – 15, 2015Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

http://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/scond/Cond_E.asp?oID=19299&oPark=100092 Triggering large avalanches is still likely in many areas. Stay out of avalanche terrain. Ice climbers should be wary of warm temperatures when in gullied features.

Avalanche problems

  • Wet Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–3

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    2–3
    Recent winds have created wind slabs in the lee of alpine features.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    2–3
    50 to 90 cm of storm snow exist on the January 30th interface which is a crust below 2000m and facets above. A poor bond exists at this interface and large avalanches have been observed running on this layer. Wide propagations are still possible.

Weather Forecast

Continued warm temperatures and overcast skies will maintain the hazard into the weekend. Cooler temperatures and light snow are forecast through Saturday.

Snowpack Summary

60 to 100 cm of stiff new snow slab and windslabs, in the alpine and at treeline, overlies an old weak snowpack that is a mixture of facets, crusts and depth hoar. Propagation of weak layers can be very wide. Below treeline, poor overnight recovery and a recent warm spell, create poor snow cohesion.

Avalanche Summary

A size 3 natural avalanche and a skier accidental 2.5 avalanche today indicate the need for continued caution.

Confidence

Regions covered