Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 25th, 2015 4:03PM

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

grant statham, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Low danger means "small avalanches in isolated areas or extreme terrain". We expect these areas to be south and west facing slopes in the afternoon, as well as open alpine slopes with shallow snowpack treeline and above.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A NW flow over BC and Alberta is keeping the air cool with no significant precipitation expected in the next few days. Highs for Thursday of -9 with light winds and aÂ mix of sun and clouds. Clear skies and sun result in strong solar radiation this time of year, so pay attention to the snowpack if the sun is shining on it.

Snowpack Summary

A textbook Rockies snowpack exists, comprised of weak facets and depth hoar near the base overlain with a 40-60 cm stiff slab of snow. No significant snow over the past few days and a cooling trend has minimized any surface instabilities. Triggering is unlikely except in open, shallow snowpack areas and steep south facing slopes in the afternoon.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported today.

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

The lower half of the snowpack is weak due to the presence of basal depth hoar and facet layers. Natural and human triggering is unlikely, but possible in steep open slopes with shallow snow, or south and west facing terrain during mid-day.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Feb 26th, 2015 4:00PM