Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 4th, 2012–Jan 5th, 2012

Alpine

4: High

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high

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

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

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Another warm, wet system is pushing into the Rockies and we may receive up to 20cm in the alpine overnight, accompanied by strong west winds. This will likely result in a natural avalanche cycle in the alpine and open tree-line features on Thursday.

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Thursday

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs up to 1m deep can be triggered by a person in avalanche terrain. Pay attention to the hardness of the slab; the greater the hardness, the greater the propagation potential. This means large avalanches are possible if you trigger something.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

The basal facets/depth hoar are becoming less reactive in field tests, but If a wind slab is initiated, it may have enough volume to step down to create larger avalanches. Other trigger points will be thin, cross-loaded features and ridge crests.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3