Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 24th, 2012–Jan 25th, 2012

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

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.

The forecasted precipitation will raise the avalanche danger on Wednesday, and may cause an avalanche cycle in the alpine and treeline. A ridge of high pressure will bring drier conditions and decrease the danger for Thursday and Friday.

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Wednesday

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Forecast of 10-20 cm with moderate to strong SW winds will create slabs in alpine and treeline. These will be touchy in open and wind effected areas.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Wind Slabs

At treeline 40-60 cm of settled storm snow sits overtop of the Jan 20 facet interface. In areas where the wind has created soft slabs this layer is reactive to skier triggering. Immediate lees of ridges above treeline are the areas of most concern.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

In most parts of the forecast area a settled midpack overrides a facetted base. This layer is becoming less likely to trigger, but it is still a good idea to use caution in thin areas where the likelihood of triggering these basal facets is highest.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely

Expected Size: 2 - 3