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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 19th, 2022–Feb 20th, 2022
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
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
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.

As the storm ends Sunday and cold clear weather arrives, lingering wind slabs at upper elevations will be the primary snowpack concern.

Weather Forecast

The westerly flow will end Sunday morning as an arctic high moves into the forecast region. Sunday will be a transition day with partly cloudy skies as the cold Arctic air moves into the forecast region. By Monday the high pressure system will bring clear skies, light winds and frigid temperatures.

Snowpack Summary

20-35 cm of new snow has fallen over the past 3 days. Strong west winds creating fresh wind slabs at treeline and above. Areas to the west received the most snow. These wind slabs may release easily on the various firm surfaces underneath. The Jan 30th surface hoar/sun crust interface exists 30-50 cm below the surface and is currently unreactive.

Avalanche Summary

The forecast team had limited back country observations Saturday and no new avalanches to report. Local ski hills reported new wind slab development on lee slopes producing small slabs size 1.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Consistent strong winds and snow accumulation over the past 3 days have developed wind slabs. These new winds slabs are sitting on a verity of surfaces like hard slab, SH and facets. Expect to find them in most leeward and  drifted slopes.

  • Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
  • Watch for surface cracking and stiffer surface layers of snow.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Storm Slabs

With up to 40cm of new snow accumulation and warm temps, some areas with high snowfall amount may have storm slab development. We have limited observations of this problem and suspect it will be short lived as cold temps arrive Monday.

  • Watch for fresh storm slabs on exposed lee slopes and open areas at all elevations.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2