Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 22nd, 2013 4:00PM

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

brian webster, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Wednesday night a cold front will move across the area bringing cooler temperatures and scattered flurries through to Friday.

Snowpack Summary

Recent strong winds have created widespread wind effect in the alpine. Windward slopes are scoured and hard and soft slabs that are reactive to skier triggering exist elsewhere. In shallow snowpack areas the mid-pack has facetted out and become weaker. Below 2200 m surface hoar exists in some locations and produces moderate results with Comp. Test.

Avalanche Summary

Natural avalanche activity has stopped however wind-slabs in the alpine are proving to be reactive to skier triggeringÂ in some areas.Â A Class 2 wind slab on north aspect at 2400 m near Bow Summit was triggered by skiers on Monday. A class 1.5 wind slabÂ (north aspect, 2300m) was triggered on Observation peak in past three days.

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

Touchy wind slabs that are reactive to human triggering exist in the alpine. See avalanche discussion.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 23rd, 2013 4:00PM