Avalog
Register
Get forecast notifications
Create an account to receive email notifications when forecasts are published.
Register
Login
Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Mar 1st, 2016–Mar 2nd, 2016
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
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
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 current weakness in the snowpack will take time to heal. We are enduring another period of 'low likelihood high consequence' relating to avalanche risk. Don't go rocketing in to big terrain yet.

Weather Forecast

The same pattern continues. Light precip overnight with light to moderate West wind. Freezing level will remain below surface.

Snowpack Summary

The Feb 11 layer of sun crust and isolated surface hoar is down 20 to 50cm. The Jan 6 layer of faceted crystals is the dominant snowpack feature and is down about 50-70cm. Snowpack test produced no results on this layer today in Lake Louise. However, forecasters still have low confidence.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches to report.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Generally the snowpack has a weak midsection throughout the BYK region. Both the Feb 11 and Jan 6 layers produce significant shears in tests. Human triggering of large avalanches that could step down to the ground is a real possibility.
Use conservative route selection, choose moderate angled and supported terrain with low consequence.Watch for signs of instability such as whumpfing, or cracking.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Wind Slabs

The possibility of small windslabs exists in alpine lee areas. Watch for these at the local level.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely

Expected Size: 1 - 2