Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 12th, 2012 4:23PM

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

Brian Webster, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

On Friday a ridge of high pressure will bring light wind and sunny skies. On Saturday a pacific frontal system will bring light snowfall (10-15 cm). The hazard is not expected to change much unless snowfall amounts are higher then forecasted.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Saturday

Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent moderate to strong north and north west winds have created windslabs in all open terrain. Steep lee features at and above treeline should be approached cautiously.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

A well settled midpack overrides a weak facetted base. This weak base is found most places except the west side of the divide. Beware of steep shallow snowpack areas (where the likelihood of triggering this basal layer is highest).

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Jan 13th, 2012 4:00PM