Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 4th, 2012 4:00PM

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

snow safety, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Sat.saw temps up to +5C at ridgetop and cooler in the valley.Slides up to sz.1.5 were reported on solar aspects. Conditions are good, but hazard will spike on sunny slopes Sunday,as this inversion will continue until cooler temps arrive on Monday. SH

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

The weather pattern is stable

Problems

Loose Wet

Afternoon wet slides may occur, increasing the hazard on solar aspects, especially around steep, rocky terrain. Cornices are also weakening in the sun, and some collapses have been observed to entrain loose, wet snow.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

Some loose snow avalanches initiated in thin, steep slopes on solar aspects have been observed to "step down" to ground on basal facets/depth hoar. So far these have been in the 1.5 range, and we can expect more of this on Sunday.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wind Slabs

Isolated windslabs exist up to a meter thick on lee slopes in the alpine. Forecasters on the Wapta today were avoiding large, very steep alpine features where the chance of triggering is greater. Excellent travel and ski conditions were reported.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Feb 5th, 2012 4:00PM