Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 14th, 2012–Feb 15th, 2012

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

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.

The widespread surface hoar that sparkled in the sun last week has now been buried by 5-15cm of snow. In alpine areas affected by wind, soft slabs are touchy to skier loads. Pay attention to a change in the surface snow and avoid slabs.

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Today in Yoho, we found soft slabs in alpine lee terrain, and were able to cut out small pockets on unsupported rolls. The slabs popped out quickly as they overlie surface hoar. Fast sluffing on surface hoar where the wind hasn't touched the slope.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Cornices

Strong winds from earlier in the month have created large cornices on lee (mostly easterly) aspects. Several large cornice collapses have been observed over the past week. These cornices could be a big enough to trigger a deep slab.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 3