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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 29th, 2016–Mar 1st, 2016
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
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

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

We are back to a "Classic Rockies" mid winter snowpack with a weak structure that does not inspire confidence and will linger for some time. Low likelihood, high consequence periods like this are best managed with conservative decision making.

Weather Forecast

Flurries Tues night and into Weds will produce small amounts of snow on the ground (~5cm). Wind will remain light to moderate from the west. Freezing levels will remain below surface.

Snowpack Summary

Treeline height of snowpack values range from 100 to 170cm. The Feb 11 layer of sun crust and isolated surface hoar is down 20 to 50cm. The Jan 6 layer of faceted crystals is the dominant snowpack feature and is down about 50-70cm. This layer is producing whumpfing, cracking and has been responsible for much of the recent avalanche activity.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches to report.

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations on Tuesday

Avalanche Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Generally the snowpack has a weak midsection throughout the BYK region. Both the Feb 11 and Jan 6 layers produce significant shears in tests. Human triggering of large avalanches that could step down to the ground is a real possibility.
Watch for signs of instability such as whumpfing, or cracking. Use conservative route selection, choose moderate angled and supported terrain with low consequence.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Wind Slabs

The possibility of small windslabs exists in alpine lee areas. Watch for these at the local level.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2