Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 25th, 2014 4:00PM

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

aaron beardmore, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

The current weather pattern is stable. However, judicious decision making is still crucial to navigate through current conditions safely.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A very slight warming trend is expected to affect the forecast region starting tomorrow, however, it is not expected to be warm enough to affect the hazard rating significantly. Otherwise little change is expected.

Snowpack Summary

30-40cm of snow sit on top of Feb10th layer of facets, sun crust and surface hoar. Field tests continue to show an easy to moderate sudden collapse at this interface. Some isolated wind slabs are present in the alpine. If triggered these wind slabs could step down to the Feb 10th interface.

Avalanche Summary

Evidence of a major cycle (occurring 72 hours ago) is still visible throughout the forecast region. However, no new avalanches were observed of reported today.

Confidence

The weather pattern is stable

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Snowpack tests on this layer today produced easy results. Despite the easy results no avalanche activity was noted. This is a layer to approach cautiously over the next few days.

Avoid open slopes with any steepness over 30 degrees.Avoid unsupported slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wind Slabs

This layer is becoming less reactive. However, be observant of lee areas and how the layer may react at a local level.

Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline. Recent storm snow has formed touchy slabs.If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Feb 26th, 2014 4:00PM