Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 11th, 2013 4:50PM

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

brian webster, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Summary

Weather Forecast

AÂ frontal system will pass through the area on Tuesday bringing light snowfall and strong westerly winds. After the passage of the cold frontÂ cooler temperatures and gusty northwest wind are forecasted for Wednesday. The winds and new snow will cause the avalanche hazard to increase over the short term.

Snowpack Summary

Forecasted light snowfall and strong westerly and north-westerly winds on Tuesday will create touchy windslabs in lee alpine terrain. Jan 06 surface hoar facet layer down 30-50 still producing hard planar shears. Where shallow the mid-pack is weak and facetted. In deeper snow country west of the divide the mid-pack remains strong.

Avalanche Summary

A large cornice triggered a Class 2 slab out of steep east facing terrain on Wapta Peak in past 48 hours. Otherwise no recent avalanche activity observed or reported.

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Tuesday

Problems

Wind Slabs

Forecasted light snowfall and strong westerly and northwesterly winds will create touchy wind-slabs in lee terrain in the alpine.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 12th, 2013 4:00PM