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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 8th, 2021–Feb 9th, 2021
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
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

!! Avalanche Control is planned on Mt Whymper in Kootenay National Park on Tuesday Feb. 9th. No access to this area on Tuesday !!

Extreme cold in the region: Be prepared, plan short trips in the sun and don't have an accident in this cold!

Weather Forecast

Cold and clear with an Extreme Cold Warning for the region. Overnight low temperatures reaching -40 on Monday night and only slightly warmer on Tuesday. Thankfully, alpine winds are light although increasing into moderate from the NW on Tuesday.  Long range temperature outlook is a little more reasonable for the weekend. 

Snowpack Summary

Previous winds from all directions have redistributed the recent 30-60cm of low density storm snow into wind slab in the alpine and exposed areas at tree line. In sheltered areas the recent storm snow remains loose powder. Buried sun crust and facets on steep south aspects. Treeline snow depths range from 150-220cm.

Avalanche Summary

Evidence of recent cornice failures and loose dry avalanches in steep alpine terrain in Kootenay today.  Also of note, last week there were three avalanches up to size 1.5 reported on south aspects below treeline. These failed on a suncrust buried 30-40 deep. We believe this problem is isolated and trending unreactive but may still exist

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs recently formed from variable winds are still a concern, but are becoming stubborn with the cold temperatures.  Increasing alpine winds on Tuesday may elevate the hazard in areas where loose snow is available for transport.

  • Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5