Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 16th, 2012–Feb 17th, 2012

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

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

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

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

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Two systems will give us small amounts of snow tonight and Saturday, slowly adding load to the Valentine's surface hoar. This layer is touchy, and one should use caution in areas of fresh wind slabs, particularly in the alpine.

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

The 10-15cm of storm snow we received 3 days ago has formed small slabs in the immediate lee areas of ridges. These slabs are touchy as they lay on top of the Valentine's surface hoar. A skier-triggered sz 1.5 occurred near Quartz Ridge yesterday.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Cornices

Large cornices on lee (mostly easterly) aspects still loom high overhead. Several large cornice collapses have been observed over the past week. These cornices could be big enough to trigger a deep slab.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3