Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Jan 8 – 9, 2014Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Watch for rising avalanche hazard on Friday with forecasted new storm snow.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Significant  fresh wind slabs exist in exposed terrain. The potential for a small wind slab avalanches stepping down into the facets below is a concern right now.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    2–3
      A generally weak and faceted snowpack dominates the forecast area. The potential for full depth avalanches exist.

Weather Forecast

Scattered flurries for Wednesday with seasonal temperatures.  Significant snow beginning Thursday night through Friday with 10-20 cm forecasted. Winds expected to be westerly in the moderate range. The last few days there has been a temperature inversion with ridge top temperatures significantly warmer then the valley bottoms.

Snowpack Summary

Total snowpack depths across the region range from 100-140 cm, and are comprised of soft surface snow above a weak and facetted snowpack. In many areas at treeline and above, recent winds have created thin windslabs. Foot penetration is to ground in most places, again demonstrating the weakness of the snowpack. This situation will not change soon.

Avalanche Summary

The widespread natural avalanche activity that was reported two days ago has subsided. No natural avalanches have been reported in the past 24 hours, however human triggered avalanches are still possible in many locations.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Friday

Regions covered