Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 13th, 2015–Feb 14th, 2015

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

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

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

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

http://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/scond/Cond_E.asp?oID=19299&oPark=100092 Triggering large avalanches is still likely in many areas. Stay out of avalanche terrain. Ice climbers should be wary of warm temperatures when in gullied features.

Weather Forecast

Continued warm temperatures and overcast skies will maintain the hazard into the weekend. Cooler temperatures and light snow are forecast through Saturday.

Snowpack Summary

60 to 100 cm of stiff new snow slab and windslabs, in the alpine and at treeline, overlies an old weak snowpack that is a mixture of facets, crusts and depth hoar. Propagation of weak layers can be very wide. Below treeline, poor overnight recovery and a recent warm spell, create poor snow cohesion.

Avalanche Summary

A size 3 natural avalanche and a skier accidental 2.5 avalanche today indicate the need for continued caution.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

50 to 90 cm of storm snow exist on the January 30th interface which is a crust below 2000m and facets above. A poor bond exists at this interface and large avalanches have been observed running on this layer. Wide propagations are still possible.

Use conservative route selection, choose moderate angled and supported terrain with low consequence.If triggered the storm slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Wind Slabs

Recent winds have created wind slabs in the lee of alpine features.

Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Wet Slabs

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3