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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 16th, 2013–Jan 17th, 2013
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
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

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Although we are now in a period of moderate avalanche danger, pay attention to what the wind is doing. With strong winds, slabs can build up quickly and overload the weak surface hoar/facets. Dig into the snow before committing to a slope.

Weather Forecast

Strong W winds and above-normal temp's are the main factors for the next couple of days. Expect the winds in the alpine to be strong, redistributing any loose snow leftover from the last couple of days of wind.

Snowpack Summary

30 to 50cm of snow sit over the Jan 6th interface.  In several locations in Kootenay and some areas near Sunshine, the Jan 6 interface is a well preserved surface hoar (3 to 5mm in size). Tests show easy sudden planar shears. It's worth digging down to it in a few locations to check if it's present. Alpine features have been blasted by recent wind.

Avalanche Summary

During the wind event over the past few days, several size 1.5 - 2 avalanches were noted in the alpine.  One skier triggered a size 1.5 avalanche near sunshine in an open wind affected lee feature below treeline. May see continued sporadic small avalanches tomorrow with strong winds forecasted, although most of the snow has been moved already.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent wind loading have created new wind slabs, predominantly in the alpine. They will certainly be reactive to riders and climbers.
Avoid freshly wind loaded features.Carry avalanche safety equipment on ice climbs in avalanche terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

Beware of open areas at tree-line. Surface hoar is well preserved in sporadic locations. See picture from our Vermillion study plot.
Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3