Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 11th, 2012 4:00PM

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

Snow Safety, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Cold clear conditions will prevail through Saturday. A few larger avalanches in very steep terrain were observed today that were triggered by recent cornice fall or wind loading. Travel is good in sheltered areas. JBW

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

Northerly outflow winds have created new windslabs in all open terrain. These fresh slabs are sensitive to human triggering and overlay previous hard slabs. Steep lee features at and above treeline should be approached cautiously.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

The strong mid pack is mostly bridging the depth hoar at the base of the snowpack. This weak base is found most places except the west side of the divide. Beware of very steep thin areas are where the likelihood of triggering this layer is highest.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Jan 12th, 2012 4:00PM