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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 21st, 2013–Feb 22nd, 2013
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
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
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
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.

If the weather forecast comes to fruition on Friday, expect an increase in hazard through the weekend.

Weather Forecast

A fast moving low pressure system is forecast to give us 15-20cm and strong Westerly alpine winds starting sometime in the afternoon on Friday.  Timing and intensity of this one is hard to predict, but expect worsening weather in the afternoon. The highest amounts are forecast for North and West of Lake Louise (Wapta region)

Snowpack Summary

Thin snowpack areas at all elevations are  weak and facetted, as well as most below treeline areas up to around 1900 meters.  Previous storm snow has settled to approximately 10cm.  This snow sit on top of wind slabs, both soft and hard, in alpine lee areas.

Avalanche Summary

No activity reported today.  Avalanche control on Wednesday produced avalanches up to size 3.  Cornices that were triggered provided enough of a rake to entrain all of the facets in the path, running to within 100m of the road on Mt. Whymper (Kootenay) and Mt. Dennis (Yoho). 

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Friday

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

New wind slabs will be forming with forecast snow Friday afternoon, watch locally for building sensitivity to triggering.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Loose Dry

Steeper slopes and gullies in the alpine will slough easily with any new snow load and wind over the already present facets.  Ice climbers should monitor this closely.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Cornices

Cornices triggered facet avalanches on Wednesday, see avalanche discussion
Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3