Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 23rd, 2018 4:00PM

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

stephen holeczi, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

A cautious approach to terrain is important as large avalanches are still possible. The cold temperatures are facetting out thin snowpack areas.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Temperatures will moderate slightly from the bone chilling last few days.Â Valley bottom lows in the -15C range and highs around -7C.Â A few cm is expected on Saturday and up to 10cm by Sunday afternoon with moderate to strong alpine winds.

Snowpack Summary

Wind effected surface snow and settling storm snow overlies three mid- pack weak layers 100-130cm down that are gaining strength. These layers continue to produce moderate, sudden planar test results on surface hoar in deep tap tests, and hard to no results with standard compression tests. Thin snowpack areas are degrading/facetting in the cold.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported or observed in the last 48 hours.

Confidence

Problems

Persistent Slabs

A strong upper snowpack overlies three weak layers in the mid snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on location, and we are slowly gaining confidence with these layers.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Feb 24th, 2018 4:00PM