Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 19th, 2015–Feb 20th, 2015

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

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

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.

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.

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

Avalanche 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