Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 9th, 2017–Jan 10th, 2017

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

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

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

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

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 recent snow has created small reactive windslabs in the alpine and ideal conditions for loose snow avalanches. The main concern is in areas with significant terrain traps. Ice climbers in particular should be weary of this problem.

Weather Forecast

Another pulse is expected this evening with forecasted amount of snow averaging 4-8cm, As this moves through winds are expected to remains moderate in the alpine and then trending to light by tomorrow. Another arctic flow is approaching, by Tuesday temperatures will sink to the low -20's with beautiful clear sky's.

Snowpack Summary

10-15cm of new snow last night sits on a faceted snowpack. In the alpine the new snow has had some wind affect with small slabs developing in lees, this new slab sits on hard wind affected snow from the past week. At treeline and below the new snow remains low density and overlays a heavily faceted snowpack with little structure or support.

Avalanche Summary

Loose dry avalanches were observed in steep terrain, releasing from last nights storm snow. The southern part of the forecast region appeared to have slightly more snow and wind, Sunshine ski patrol reported numerus size 1 avalanches in areas where new wind slab exist. These avalanches were triggered by explosives and ski cuts.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Persistent Slabs

Natural and human triggering has tapered off in recent days, but forecasters still have little confidence and feel there is a high degree of variability across the forecast region. Where winbslabs exist be especially cautious.

Use caution in lee areas. Wind loading could create slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Wind Slabs

Small windslabs and loose snow avalanches can be triggered in the recent storm snow. The main concern is in areas where significant terrain traps exist. Take extra caution when traveling around cliffs and steep gullies.

Use caution above cliffs where small avalanches may have severe consequences.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2