Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 27th, 2017 4:00PM

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

tim haggarty, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Although natural activity has diminished and the danger levels have dropped to moderate, human triggered avalanches remain possible with this generally weak and variable snowpack.

Summary

Weather Forecast

The west winds that picked up this morning promise to bring a band of moist weather from the coast. Expect overcast skies with the potential for light precipitation and possibly strong winds with warmer temperatures Sunday. After this weather passes expect at return to clear skies and colder temperatures Monday.

Snowpack Summary

10 to 20cm of snow from last week overlies a generally weak and facetted mid-pack and base - particularly in the Lake Louise area and on the east side of Hwy 93 north. Closer to the divide, deeper snowpacks are stronger and more supportive. Surface hoar up to 10mm was buried by a trace in some areas this morningÂ and West winds began in the alpine.

Avalanche Summary

Yesterday: Only 1 size 3 was triggered from the top of Mt. Whymper sliding on a layer near ground with avalanche control efforts. Also, 1 recent natural was observed on a North aspect where a cornice failure triggered a size 2 slab. Despite this minimal avalanche activity, there is still little confidence in the overall weak snowpack structure.

Confidence

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Because the snowpack is so weak, we don't trust any avalanche starting zones. Avoid steep areas where avalanches can start, and think carefully if you cross tracks or run out zones. Continued conservative choices will remain important for some time.

Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Jan 28th, 2017 4:00PM