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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 7th, 2014–Jan 8th, 2014
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
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.

Watch for rising avalanche hazard on Friday with forecasted new storm snow.

Weather Forecast

Scattered flurries for Wednesday with seasonal temperatures.  Significant snow beginning Thursday night through Friday with 10-20 cm forecasted. Winds expected to be westerly in the moderate range. The last few days there has been a temperature inversion with ridge top temperatures significantly warmer then the valley bottoms.

Snowpack Summary

Total snowpack depths across the region range from 100-140 cm, and are comprised of soft surface snow above a weak and facetted snowpack. In many areas at treeline and above, recent winds have created thin windslabs. Foot penetration is to ground in most places, again demonstrating the weakness of the snowpack. This situation will not change soon.

Avalanche Summary

The widespread natural avalanche activity that was reported two days ago has subsided. No natural avalanches have been reported in the past 24 hours, however human triggered avalanches are still possible in many locations.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Friday

Avalanche Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

  A generally weak and faceted snowpack dominates the forecast area. The potential for full depth avalanches exist.
Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, and shooting cracks.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Wind Slabs

Significant  fresh wind slabs exist in exposed terrain. The potential for a small wind slab avalanches stepping down into the facets below is a concern right now.
Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.Avoid freshly wind loaded features.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2