Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 19th, 2015 4:00PM

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

snow safety, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

There are still concerns in wind-loaded areas and thin spots. There is a lot of variability with respect to aspect and elevation right now, so take some time to assess the snow where you are.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Moderate temperatures with light snow is forecast for Friday. On Saturday, winds are forecast to switch to the North or Northeast giving us a short-lived bast of arctic air. Temps may dip to -20.

Snowpack Summary

Some wind effect in open areas above tree line. Temperature crust present below 1800m. 60-70cm of well settled snow from recent storms and warm temperatures sits over weak facets and depth hoar at the bottom of the snowpack.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed or reported today.

Confidence

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

The base of the snowpack remains weak due to the presence of basal depth hoar and facets. Natural activity is tapering off, however human triggering is still likely on this layer.

Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.Use conservative route selection, choose moderate angled and supported terrain with low consequence.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Wind Slabs

Be cautious near ridge-crests and in lee areas.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 20th, 2015 4:00PM