Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Feb 19th, 2013–Feb 20th, 2013

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

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.

Regions

Little Yoho.

AVALANCHE CONTROL - Tomorrow on Mt. Dennis and Mt. Whymper. No climbing or skiing in these areas tomorrow. This includes Carlsberg Column, Pilsner Pillar and Guiness Gulley.

Weather Forecast

Expect light wind and little precip until Thursday. On Friday, models are showing a significant delivery of precipitation. Expect the danger rating to remain as is until Friday where it will increase significantly, potentially to HIGH.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 20cm of low density snow sit overtop a variety of different wind slabs. In shallow locations, the snow pack is losing strength to the faceting process drastically.

Avalanche Summary

In the Sunshine back country, two skiers triggered a size 1 point release avalanche on Twin Cairns. The skiers were able to ski off to the side and were not involved.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Friday

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.