Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 6th, 2013 4:00PM

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

chris gooliaff, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

The snowpack is generally feeling weaker due to the continued faceting, or rotting, of the mid-pack. It is common to feel like you are collapsing deeper into the snow, especially in shallow areas east of the Divide.

Summary

Weather Forecast

The west coast seems to be getting all the snow...blast! No snow in the forecast for the Rockies, with light winds in the alpine and temp's staying near seasonal values. I might threaten to burn a pair of my skis to get the snow to return to our region!

Snowpack Summary

In general, expect a faceted snowpack, especially in areas with < 100cm of snow (ie east of the Divide). The high alpine has seen strong winds, with variable soft to hard slabs present throughout. The Jan 6 interface is still present in isolated locations. It is buried approx. 40cm down and is generally unreactive to human traffic.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches reported or observed today.

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

Strong wind has promoted the development of wind slabs in the alpine and open tree-line features. There has been little natural avalanche activity with these new slabs, but human triggering is still possible, especially in thin, weak areas.

Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 7th, 2013 4:00PM