Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 25th, 2016–Jan 26th, 2016

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Conditions are tricky right now! Avalanche control results today showed widespread explosive triggered avalanches between size 2 and 3 - some fracture lines propagated over 350 meters. Human triggering is likely, so manage your exposure carefully.

Weather Forecast

The region is currently under the influence of a NW flow, with the main storm track to our north. Starting Tuesday afternoon a system moves into the area and we can expect 5-10 cm through the afternoon and evening with temperatures around -5 and winds from the west, 25-50 km/hr.

Snowpack Summary

25-50 cm reactive slabs overlie the January 6 weak layer, and these slabs are reactive to explosive and human triggers. Their depth varies across the region, with Kootenay Park being the touchiest situation. The middle of the snowpack is facetted, which has been increasing the size of avalanches as they gain mass while descending.

Avalanche Summary

Monday's avalanche control work on highway 93 south resulted in widespread avalanches between size 2 and 3 with fracture lines ranging from 25-50 cm deep. In Kootenay Park, some fracture lines extended up to 350m wide and ran over 1500m.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Windslabs are likely to be triggered in leeward areas above treeline - we are on the tail end of an avalanche cycle, and human triggering is likely in many areas.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Storm Slabs

This problem exists in deeper snowpack areas - such as Kootenay Park where slabs have been formed by settled snow overlying the Jan 6 surface hoar layer. Watch out - these are touchy and propagate easily.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3