Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 23rd, 2012 4:35PM

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

brian webster, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

20-25 cm of new snow is forecast for the Lake Louise area starting Tuesday afternoon. This new snow in combination with moderate to strong winds will result in increased avalanche hazard at all elevations.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Wednesday

Problems

Wind Slabs

At treeline 30-40 cm of settled storm snow sits overtop of the Jan 20 facet interface. In areas where the wind has created soft slabs this layer is reactive to skier triggering. Immediate lees of ridges above treeline are the areas of most concern.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

In most parts of the forecast area a settled midpack overrides a weak facetted base. Be aware of steep shallow snowpack areas where the likelihood of triggering these basal facets is highest.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Jan 24th, 2012 4:00PM