Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 20th, 2014 5:08PM

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

snow safety, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

The natural avalanche cycle is over, however skier triggered avalanches are happening daily. Now is the time to be very conservative in the back-country.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Friday will be cloudy with isolated flurries. High temperatures in the alpine near -12. Ridge top winds west 10-30 Kph

Snowpack Summary

30 -70 cm of recent storm snow is settling and overrides the Feb 10th interface. A poor bond persists at this interface and many avalanches have been observed on this layer over the past week. Recent SW winds have created wind slabs in lee alpine terrain. These wind slabs are easily triggered and often step down to the Feb 10th interface.

Avalanche Summary

The natural avalanche cycle seems to have subsided, however skier triggered avalanches are still happening regularly. Several skier triggered avalanches (up to class 2) were reported in the Lake Louise on Thursday. Two skier remotes were reported on the moraine approach to Peyto Glacier on Wednesday.

Confidence

Problems

Persistent Slabs

A poor bond still exists between the storm snow and the Feb 10 interface. This interface is reactive to skier triggering. (see avalanche details)

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

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Wind Slabs

Continued SW winds have created fresh wind slabs in the alpine

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline. Recent storm snow has formed touchy slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Feb 21st, 2014 4:00PM