Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 22nd, 2014 4:00PM

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

aaron beardmore, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Although natural activity is tapering off, the possibility remains for triggering large avalanches.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A generally benign weather pattern will persist over the forecast region with minimal changes to the danger rating.Â

Snowpack Summary

Surface hoar growing. Midpack pencil with no significant shears. Sudden collapse at base in old DH and on top of Crust in the very hard range. Potential for human triggering in thin areas.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed.

Confidence

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Low likelihood, high consequence. This means the chance of triggering is decreasing, however, if you do, it will be a big slide.

Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, and shooting cracks.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Wind Slabs

Travel on ridgetops to avoid wind slabs on slopes below.Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 23rd, 2014 4:00PM