Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 19th, 2018 4:01PM

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

grant statham, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

The cold temperatures have temporarily reduced the likelihood of avalanches, resulting in Moderate danger ratings. This should last for several days, but be wary of sunny, warm places in the afternoon. Don't stop and warm up under avalanche terrain!

Summary

Weather Forecast

An arctic ridge is stationary over our region for the remainder of the week.Â This means blue skies but very cold overnight lows down to the -30s and daytime highs into the -10 to -15 range. Some light snow expected for Tuesday but no accumulation, then back to crisp bluebird, no wind and frigid temperatures. Warmer air arrives for the weekend.

Snowpack Summary

In general the snowpack is deeper than normal and gaining strength following the avalanche cycle in early February (helped significantly by the cold temperatures). Three weak layers exist in the middle of the snowpack and continue to produce moderate, sudden planar test results on surface hoar.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported or observed today.

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations

Problems

Persistent Slabs

A 100-125cm strong upper snowpack overlies three weak layers in the mid snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on location, and they continue to produce moderate, sudden planar test results.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

2 - 3.5

Valid until: Feb 20th, 2018 4:00PM