Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 11th, 2019 4:00PM

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

william lawson, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Cold temperatures continue to weaken the upper snowpack. Surface sluffing and small pockets of wind slab are the main concern in the region.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A slight warm up over the next few days with daytime highs in the low negative teens. A dusting of snow, and light winds forecasted for Tuesday.

Snowpack Summary

Alpine areas are a mix of wind blasted and/or soft (faceted) surface snow depending on location - sheltered areas have 40 cm ski penetration. Overall the snowpack is strong. The Jan 17 surface hoar/crust interface can be found below 2200 m down 40-60 cm and is producing moderate, planar shear tests, but there is minimal slab overlying the layer.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed or reported.

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

Old wind effect and isolated pockets of newly formed windslab can be found in the alpine. With small inputs of snow and wind on Tuesday, this problem may continue to develop.

Aspects: North, North East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Feb 12th, 2019 4:00PM