Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 15th, 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.

aaron beardmore, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

As we head into a week of very cold temps the danger rating is expected to remain as is. Watch for increasing wind creating fresh slabs at high elevations. Be mindful of the basal weaknesses when committing to larger terrain features.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

Surprisingly little wind effect in the Emerald Lake region today. However, the 20cm low density storm snow is available for transport when the wind decides to pick up. Be watchful at a local level for increasing wind and associated slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

A well settled midpack overrides a weaker facetted base. This weak base is found most places except the west side of the divide. Beware of steep shallow snowpack areas (where the likelihood of triggering this basal layer is highest).

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Jan 16th, 2012 4:00PM