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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 22nd, 2013–Feb 23rd, 2013
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
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

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Some snow and wind are still forecast for Friday night. Watch local accumulations as this will dictate a rise in hazard at all elevations.

Weather Forecast

We still expect snow up to 20cm in the alpine Friday night with the  highest amounts along the divide and especially the Wapta.  Expect strong SW winds over all regions. Another system is forecast on Sunday night.  Steep areas below treeline and treeline W of the divide may go above a low hazard rating with a bigger snow load.

Snowpack Summary

2-9cm reported over last 24 hours in alpine regions. Some thin wind slab formation in immediate ridge top lees  This snow sits on top of previous wind slabs, both soft and hard, in alpine areas. Thin snowpack areas at all elevations are very weak and faceted, as well as most below treeline areas up to around 1900 meters. 

Avalanche Summary

No activity reported today.   Avalanche control on Wednesday produced avalanches up to size 3.  Cornices that were triggered provided enough of a rake to entrain all of the facets in the path, running to within 100m of the road on Mt. Whymper (Kootenay) and Mt. Dennis (Yoho). 

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Saturday

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slab formation, especially near ridge tops has been noted by a team on the Wapta. Expect these to be touchy within the next 24 hours.
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Loose Dry

Expect sloughing in steep gully terrain.  Ice climbers should monitor this closely.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Cornices

Cornices can provide the big trigger and entrain new wind slabs and underlying facets.  Some of these cornices have been easily triggered in the last week.
Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3