Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 4th, 2013 4:00PM

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

aaron beardmore, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Strong wind today, which will be followed up with 20cm of new snow tomorrow will raise the danger rating. Additionally, cornices are weak presently, so choose terrain that minimizes your exposure to them.

Summary

Weather Forecast

As the winds die down tonight, expect the current system to deliver up to 20cm of new snow over the next 48 hours. Likely, these weather factors will increase the avalanche danger. The system is expected to subside by Thursday midday.

Snowpack Summary

Little change from yesterday. However, strong winds and light precip has increased soft wind slab development. In general, expected a faceted snowpack, especially in areas with < 100cm of snow. Also, the Jan 6 interface is still present in isolated locations. It is buried approximately 40cm down and is generally unreactive to human traffic.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches reported or observed today.

Confidence

Track of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Problems

Wind Slabs

Strong wind has promoted the development of wind slabs even further today. Expect these new wind slabs to be touchy. In addition to surface wind slabs, older hard wind slabs lurk beneath the surface, but are harder to trigger.

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

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Feb 5th, 2013 4:00PM