Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 4th, 2012–Feb 5th, 2012

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: 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

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

The weather pattern is stable

Avalanche 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