Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 27th, 2012 4:00PM

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

Snow Safety, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Sat. afternoon into Sunday, expect 30-40cm W. of the divide, and 20-25cm E. of the divide, with strong SW winds and 1600m freezing levels. We expect a natural cycle starting Sat. evening, but hazard may rise to high as soon as the storm arrives.SH

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Due to the quality of field observations on Friday

Problems

Wind Slabs

At treeline 40-50 cm of settled storm snow sits overtop of the Jan 20 facet interface. Avy control in Yoho produced avalanches to sz.3 on this layer today. Expect this to become more touchy as snow load increases.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Storm Slabs

Expect 10-15 cm over the day Saturday, with intensity picking up in the afternoon. Watch locally for timing of this snow. Loading will increase sensitivity to triggering wind slabs, and intense sloughing will occur in steeper terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

In most parts of the forecast area a settled midpack overlies a weaker facetted base. This has been less reactive of late, but thin areas E. of the divide will be most susceptible to triggering. Likelihood will increase this weekend.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Jan 28th, 2012 4:00PM