Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 9th, 2013 4:41PM

The alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is high, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Storm Slabs.

brian webster, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Avalanche control planned for Banff, Yoho and Kootenay National Parks. Please no skiing/climbing on Mt. Bourgeau, Mt. Whymper, Mt. Stephen and Mt. Dennis on Thursday.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Another 5-10 cm forecasted for Wednesday night. Precipitation expected to ease off by noon on Thursday with a cooling trend for Thursday afternoon. Clear and cool temperatures forecast for Friday and the weekend

Snowpack Summary

30-50 cm new snow in past 24 hrs at treeline and up to 80 cm in past 72 hours. Mod SW windsÂ producing storm slabs that are sitting on a weak facet layer. Widespread natural cycle in storm snow observed today

Avalanche Summary

Numerous natural avalanches up to Class 3 running to top of run-out zones observed today. Explosive control on Sunshine Road produced one Class 3 avalanche that buried road 80 cm deep by 15 metres wide

Confidence

Due to the number and quality of field observations

Problems

Storm Slabs

30-50 cm at treeline in past 24 hours and up to 80 cm in past 72 hours. Moderate SW winds producing storm slabs that are sitting on a weak facet layer. Widespread natural cycle in storm snow observed on Wednesday.

Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended with current conditions.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Very Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Jan 10th, 2013 4:00PM