Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 16th, 2019–Feb 17th, 2019

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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low

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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low

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

Regions: Little Yoho.

Conditions are still pretty good, with only 5-10cm falling over the last 24 hours under light winds. Watch for isolated pockets of old wind slab in the alpine, and sluffing of the cold, facetted surface snow in very steep terrain features.

Weather Forecast

A return to colder temperatures tomorrow with lows around -25C and highs of -15C. Light NE winds for the next 2 days and no new snow.

Snowpack Summary

30 to 40 cm of snow has fallen since Feb 2. This has been affected by variable winds, isolated periods of intense solar radiation and most notably, sustained cold temperatures promoting faceting. Down 50 to 75cm, Jan 17 surface hoar produces sudden planar shears in isolated locations treeline an below. A weak basal snowpack exists in shallow areas

Avalanche Summary

Some smaller wind slabs were noted in the Mount Cathedral area, and a skier triggered size 2 was reported by Lake Louise ski hill.Â

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Variable winds through the weekend are expected to move alpine snow around. Although slab formation will likely be slow with cold dry snow, the bond to the dry, faceted surface snow will be weak.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.Variable winds may create pockets of wind slab in some unexpected locations.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Loose Dry

A sustained period of cold weather has driven the faceting process in the upper snowpack creating weak, dry surface snow. In steep terrain, these are sensitive to small natural and human triggers and can quickly gain enough mass to affect travelers.

Use caution above cliffs and terrain traps where small avalanches may have severe consequences.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 1