Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 4th, 2022–Jan 5th, 2022

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

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

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

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

If you could bare the cold temps, good riding can be found in wind sheltered terrain. Outflow winds in some areas has affected some lower elevation ski quality.

Weather Forecast

Only a few cm's of snow overnight with lows around -20C. Daytime highs Wednesday around -15C with light SW wind in the morning increasing slightly in the afternoon. Thursday afternoon expect some flurries as moderate to strong SW wind ushers in milder air. Check here for more details.

Snowpack Summary

15-30 cm storm snow in the last few days. The wind has eased however, wind slabs are present in lee areas of the alpine and some treeline locations. 50-70 cm over the Dec 2 crust/facet combo which exists below 2200 m. Shallow snowpack areas (<100cm) have weaker basal facets. Snowpack depths at treeline are from 120-160 cm.

Avalanche Summary

Ski hills report triggering small loose dry or thin wind slabs size 1-1.5. Otherwise no avalanches observed or reported in our region. Avalanche Canada reported a notable remote trigger of a size 3.5 that slid to ground, SE of Radium, outside of our region at Teddy Pass.

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Previous strong SW winds have created wind slabs in alpine and exposed treeline lee areas. These have been a bit more stubborn than expected but could still be triggered by skiers in steep terrain, especially in the alpine.

Watch for surface cracking and stiffer surface layers of snow. Avoid wind loaded terrain.
Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

The Dec. 2 crust/facet layer down 50-70 cm has not been a widespread problem, but uncertainty remains with the layer. It's most prevalent in Kootenay. Monitor carefully if you are looking at steep committing terrain.

Be cautious with steep or unsupported slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2