Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Feb 7 – 8, 2019Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Forecasters still have some uncertainty as to how prevalent wind slabs are as a problem due to limited observations.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2
    This problem is not widespread but we are still seeing activity today in the Sunshine region, and reports from Highway 93S. Forecasters have limited observations from alpine areas.

Weather Forecast

Lows in the -20's Thursday AM and highs around -15C. Some clouds will roll in for the afternoon and a trace amount of snow along the divide. 3000m winds will increase to Moderate from the N/NW but will remain light at valley bottom.

Snowpack Summary

Wide spread wind effect above treeline has created wind slab on NE to SE aspects. Below treeline,30 to 50cm of snow sits over the Jan.17 surface hoar which causes the odd settlement but little activity so far. In shallow areas weak facets and depth hoar exist below the Dec 10 interface. In deeper snow packs this basal weakness is less pronounced.

Avalanche Summary

Some small, loose dry activity out of cliffed areas. Sunshine village reported numerous size 2's with explosives and smaller wind slabs with ski cutting.

Confidence

Regions covered