Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 28th, 2016 4:28PM

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

Conrad Janzen, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

We are back to a "Classic Rockies" mid winter snowpack with a weak structure that does not inspire confidence and will linger for some time. Choose conservative routes and manage your group carefully to minimize the potential for human triggering.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Chance ot flurries on Sunday night, then a bite of a clearing trend on Monday with another chance of flurries on Tuesday night. Cooler temperatures and moderate W winds for the next few days.

Snowpack Summary

Treeline height of snowpack values range from 100 to 170cm. The Feb 11 layer of sun crust and isolated surface hoar is down 20 to 50cm. The Jan 6 layer of faceted crystals is the dominant snowpack feature and is down about 50-70cm. This layer is producing whumpfing, cracking and has been responsible for much of the recent avalanche activity.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches to report.

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Monday

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Generally the snowpack has a weak midsection throughout the BYK region. Both the Feb 11 and Jan 6 layers produce significant shears in tests. Human triggering of large avalanches that could step down to the ground is a real possibility.

Use conservative route selection, choose moderate angled and supported terrain with low consequence.Watch for signs of instability such as whumpfing, or cracking.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Feb 29th, 2016 4:00PM