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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 11th, 2014–Feb 12th, 2014
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
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
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
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

The drought is over . . . and so is the Low danger! Snowfall amounts are building by about 10-15 cm per day this week, burying a dangerous layer of surface hoar and then accumulating a slab above it. Time to change our habits from the last few weeks.

Weather Forecast

At last the weather pattern has changed and we are into a NW flow, which has warmed up the air and finally brought some new snow.  Expect another 5-10 cm on Wednesday, then another 10-15 for Thursday. Temperatures will be from -10 to -13 with strong wind gusts. Perfect for burying the weak layers . . .

Snowpack Summary

5-15 cm of new snow overlies a series of weak layers (surface hoar, facets and suncrust) formed from the past three weeks of cold, dry weather. As of today, this new snow had been blown into thin, soft slabs in specific areas above treeline. With additional snow forecast over the next few days, expect the soft slabs to increase in depth and size.

Avalanche Summary

Several soft windslabs 10-15 cm deep have been ski cut in windloaded areas above treeline. Avalanche activity is expected to increase on Wednesday and Thursday with the additional new snow.

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Wednesday

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

By Wednesday there may be up to 25 cm of new snow being blown into fresh windslabs. Fresh slabs like this are touchy, and in places their depth may exceed 50 cm. Be very careful in all windloaded areas, and looks for clues and cracking under foot.
Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.Avoid freshly wind loaded features.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

This problem exists in the eastern side of the forecast region (Lake Louise area), and will remain dormant on Wednesday. More snow is needed to re-awaken these facets. Forecasters will be monitoring this problem closely as this week's storm develops.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely

Expected Size: 1 - 2