Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 6th, 2012 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.

aaron beardmore, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Warm temps, little precip and light wind over the next few days is promoting a trend of decreasing hazard. The next storm system is expected late monday with more precip; this will drive the danger rating back up. Cornices are sensitive presently.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Wind speed and direction is uncertain on Sunday

Problems

Wind Slabs

Subsequent to the Jan 4 wind/precip event windslabs are bonding uncharacteristically well to the old surface. These windslabs are between 10 and 25cm deep.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

Human triggering is becoming less likely, however, consequences are high and avalanches will be big if triggered. Today, a lone skier remotely triggered a size in West Bowl, (Lake Louise). See picture @ acmg.ca/mcr

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Jan 7th, 2012 4:00PM