Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 7th, 2013 4:29PM

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

brian webster, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Summary

Weather Forecast

No snow in the forecast. A subtropical ridge of high pressure pushes in to the BC coast for Saturday. This will bring a dry northerly flow over the Rockies. Freezing levels will remain relatively low due to the northerly flow, however solar warming may become an issue on sunny aspects with the clearing skies.

Snowpack Summary

A light dusting of low density new snow lies overtop of wind slab (in alpine lee terrain) or previously facetted surfaces. East of the divide the mid-pack at treeline and below is well facetted and barely supportive to skiers. The early Jan. surface hoar can still be found down ~40 cm in some locations, but is proving unreactive to skier triggering

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches reported or observed

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs from recent strong winds persist in the alpine. In some areas these slabs are now covered by a light layer of new snow and may not be as obvious to see. The area of most concern is lee terrain near ridge tops.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 8th, 2013 4:00PM