Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 3rd, 2012 4:00PM

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

Chris Gooliaff, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Fantastic skiing can be found on sheltered slopes right now! The big concerns this weekend are warm alpine temp's and strong solar radiation weakening sunny aspects with daytime warming. Go early to beat the heat and have a great weekend!

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

The weather pattern is stable

Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent strong SW winds have created windslabs up to a metre thick on lee slopes in the alpine (primarily N- E aspects). These slabs are settling out with warm temps, but it is still possible for a skier to trigger these slabs in thin zones.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Cornices

The warm alpine temp's forecasted may be the straw that broke the cornice's back. If cornices do fail, it may be a big enough trigger to step down into the basal facets. Natural cornice avalanches and sluffing were observed today in extreme terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Persistent Slabs

In many areas east of the divide where the snow is shallower the mid-pack overrides a layer of weak basal facets. Be extra cautious of thin snowpack areas where the chance of triggering this layer is highest, especially on sunny aspects with warming.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

2 - 4

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