Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 4th, 2013–Feb 5th, 2013

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

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

Regions: 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.

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

Avalanche 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