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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 17th, 2017–Jan 18th, 2017
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
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
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

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Pay attention to the temperatures on Wednesday. The warming trend we are experiencing will increase the avalanche hazard. The Banff area in particular is experiencing very warm temperatures.

Weather Forecast

Wednesday will be mostly cloudy with some light snowfall expected. Up to 10 cm of new snow can be expected along the divide. Freezing levels will be around 1600 m in the Lake Louise area and 1700 m in the Banff area. A slight cooling trend is forecast for Thursday.

Snowpack Summary

In general the snowpack in this area is weak and facetted. Along the divide where the snowpack may be deeper a stronger midpack can be found. Moderate to strong SW winds over the last couple of days have created scouring, wind effect and hard and soft wind slabs in the alpine.

Avalanche Summary

A Class 2.5 avalanche was observed running over Rogan's Gully ice climb on Cascade on Tuesday. This was associated with above freezing temperatures in the Banff area today. Several skier triggered avalanches have been reported over last few days. These have released on the weak facet layer in the midpack.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

The midpack in most areas is weak and facetted. Any slab sitting overtop of this weakness should be considered suspect. While these slabs may be difficult to trigger, the result could be a large avalanche.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Wind Slabs

Moderate to strong south and sw winds have scoured the alpine and created some new windslabs in alpine and some treeline features.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2