Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Feb 29 – Mar 1, 2012Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

A lot of settlement in the snowpack was heard and felt today on a ski tour in Kootenay. This kept us on well-supported, low consequence terrain. With small amounts of snow in the next few days, the tip-toeing around convex slopes will continue.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Moderate winds in the past few days have also created thin, but stiffer wind slab conditions 25-35 cm deep on ridgetop lee terrain. These have been seen to step down to the Valentine layer. Several natural slides were observed off Mt Bosworth today.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2–3
    Stability tests on the Valentine layer in Kootenay today showed easy results, sudden planar, down 40-50cm. This is enough snow to create a large avalanche. This layer ranges from 20cm depth near Bow Summit, to 60cm near Sunshine and Yoho.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Near Bow Summit yesterday, we encountered moderate, sudden collapse shears on basal depth hoar. Steep, thin areas mainly E. of the divide will be prone. Lake Louise reported recent, isolated slides triggered on surface hoar which stepped to ground.

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Regions covered