Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 24th, 2012 4:00PM

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

lisa paulson, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

10-20 cm forecasted for tonight with Mod-Strong SW winds will tip us into another avalanche cycle on the Valentine's surface hoar. Be very selective and conservative with route selections this weekend.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Problems

Persistent Slabs

At treeline 40-50 cm of settled storm snow sits overtop of the Feb. 14 surface hoar, up to 80 cm in the sunshine region. Even if a feature has avalanched there is likely residual hazard since we haven't seen good cleanouts in what has gone.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Wind Slabs

Moderate to strong winds in the few days have created touchy wind slab conditions on lee terrain in the alpine. We expect these slabs to be added to with a forecast of mod to strong SW winds and 10-20 cm tonight.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 25th, 2012 4:00PM