Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 19th, 2014 4:09PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Persistent Slabs and Wind Slabs.

brian webster, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

The storm snow still needs time to settle and bond. Conservative route choices are still advised.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries through to Friday. Alpine temperatures reaching a high of -9. Light southwest winds with moderate gusts.

Snowpack Summary

30 -70 cm of recent storm snow is settling and overrides the Feb 10th interface. A poor bond persists at this interface and many avalanches have been observed on this layer over the past week. Recent SW winds have created wind slabs in lee alpine terrain. These wind slabs are easily triggered and often step down to the Feb 10th interface.

Avalanche Summary

The natural avalanche cycle seems to have subsided, however many skier triggered wind slabs up to Class 1.5 were reported today. A size 3 natural off of Mt. Wapta was observed yesterday and explosive control work today on the Yoho Highway Paths resulted in several Class 2.5's and one Class 3 all running in the storm snow.

Confidence

Problems

Persistent Slabs

The recent storm snow is settling but a poor bond still exists on the storm snow interface. Natural activity has decreased but it is still possible for skiers to trigger this layer.

Avoid open slopes with any steepness over 30 degrees.Avoid unsupported slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Wind Slabs

Recent SW winds have created touchy wind slabs on lee alpine and treeline terrain. These wind slabs are reactive to skier triggering.

Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline. Recent storm snow has formed touchy slabs.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Feb 20th, 2014 4:00PM