Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 15th, 2013 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Cornices and Wind Slabs.

snow safety, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

The forecasted Saturday storm may create some reverse loaded windslab conditions. Recent storm snow west of the divide has created some new fresh slabs to watch out for.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A frontal system riding over the ridge and coming in upslope may bring in about 10cm of new snow. Temps will still be moderate and the winds will be gusting to the strong range from the NE.

Snowpack Summary

Lots of new snow being moved around by north westerly winds. Ripe new cornices. Thin fresh wind slabs. Facetted mid pack in shallow areas.

Avalanche Summary

Some new cornice fall and thin wind slabs out of very steep terrain. nothing larger than a small size 2.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Saturday

Problems

Cornices

Stay well to the windward side of corniced ridges.Enter your line well below ridge crests to avoid wind loaded pillows.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wind Slabs

The recent snow may now be hiding windslabs that were easily visible before the snow fell.Use caution in lee areas in the alpine. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 16th, 2013 4:00PM