Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 29th, 2019 4:00PM

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

aaron beardmore, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Step out slowly and purposefully. Avoid shallow faceted areas. Seek out deep snowpack areas.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Warmer than seasonal temperatures will persist through until the end of the week. A weak system will bring snow to the region starting late Wednesday. By the end of Friday there could be up to 20cm in the alpine. The wind will potentially climb to the strong range from the West, the windiest period being late on Thursday.

Snowpack Summary

10-20cm of snow sits on top of isolated sun-crusts and surface hoar. Possible soft wind slabs in lee alpine areas. Of greatest concern are the weak facets and depth hoar at the base of the snowpack. Triggering a slab is more likely in thin snowpack areas.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches observed or reported.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Thursday

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

The weak Oct.26 facets and depth hoar at the base of the snowpack have a significant slab (50-130cm thick) sitting above them. The likelihood of triggering this layer has decreased, but if it does get triggered, the avalanche will be large in size.

Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to weak layers at the base of the snowpack.Avoid thin, rocky or unsupported slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Wind Slabs

Soft wind slabs can likely be located in high elevation lee areas. Forecasters don't expect them to be more than 20cm thick.

Aspects: North East, East, South East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Jan 30th, 2019 4:00PM