Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 6th, 2014 4:00PM

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

Grant Statham, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

The avalanche danger is reduced slightly from yesterday's peak of HIGH, but explosive triggered avalanches continue. Temperatures 5-10 degrees warmer were observed at higher elevations. Ice climbers should be wary of south facing overhead hazard.

Summary

Weather Forecast

The weather pattern will remain unchanged for the next few days. Only trace amounts of snow are expected, along with light to moderate westerly winds. Tuesday's temperatures will hit lows of -17, followed by gradual warming through the rest of the week. Big snow for next Saturday? We're too far out to have any confidence, but maybe.

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 avalanche activity that was reported yesterday has subsided from its peak, although avalanche control today produced avalanches to size 2.5 in a number of locations. Most failures occurred at the ground level in the depth hoar, and human triggering is still likely in many locations.

Confidence

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

The weak snowpack continues to dominate the entire region, and avalanches can be easily triggered in shallow areas at treeline and above. Keep your distance from avalanche starting zones, and work the terrain very carefully to manage your exposure.

Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, and shooting cracks.Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Wind Slabs

Recent winds have created thin windslabs on steep, windloaded terrain features. Approach all windloaded terrain with respect, stop at the top and evaluate before you choose your route through.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 7th, 2014 4:00PM