Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 25th, 2012–Feb 26th, 2012

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

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

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

We are entering a tricky time. Evaluation of where the Valentines surface hoar exists, how much snow overlies this weak layer, and what terrain you are in will be important to avoiding an incident. Clearing skies over the weekend with light winds. SH

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Due to the number and quality of field observations on Saturday

Avalanche Problems

Persistent Slabs

At treeline 35-50 cm of settled storm snow sits overtop of the Valentines surface hoar, up to 90 cm in the sunshine region on lee alpine features. This problem will be slow to stabilize, and will exist for some time.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Wind Slabs

Moderate winds in the past few days have also created thin, but stiffer wind slab conditions 25-35 cm deep on ridgetop lee terrain. If there is no surface hoar present, these will settle out in the next few days.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2