Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Jan 31 – Feb 1, 2015Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

The hazard has decreased but forecaster confidence is limited.  Be very cautious about route options and remain aware of your surroundings as you travel.  Ski quality is rugged especially below treeline.  Ice climbing conditons are awesome!

Avalanche problems

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2
    Despite the low danger ratings, the deep snowpack remains weak. Avoidance of large open slopes with shallow, rocky areas remains a good idea. Even in low danger there are places that should be avoided.

Weather Forecast

Winds will be westerly and moderate beginning this evening with light snowfall.  FL's up to 1500 meters tonight.  Through the weekend the flow will shift to NW aloft and then back westerly again on Sunday with light precipitation amounts and a cooling trend going into the beginning of next week

Snowpack Summary

Last weekend's big warming of the snowpack and the recent freezing has strengthened the upper and mid section of the snowpack. However, it is important to remember that n the shallower eastern regions of the continental divide the snow pack still has rotten basal facets so caution is still advised when considering more aggressive terrain.

Avalanche Summary

There has been very little natural activity in the past few days with the exception of some size 2 explosive results yesterday in Lake Louise. Human triggered avalanches are still possible and cautious terrain selection is still strongly advised in spite of the Low rating.

Confidence

Due to the quality of field observations on Saturday

Regions covered