Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 5th, 2019 4:00PM

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

william lawson, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Be prepared for the cold when recreating this week. Even a small mishap in the day can become critical in these temperatures.

Summary

Weather Forecast

An arctic ridge of high pressure will linger in the bulletin region for the remainder of the week. Temperatures will remain frigid, with evening lows down to -30. A temperature inversion has set in at higher elevations. Light winds, sunny skies and temperatures in the low negative teens will make the alpine the place to be.

Snowpack Summary

Wide spread wind effect above treeline has created wind slab on NE to SE aspects. At treeline elevations, up to 65cm of snow sits over the Jan.17 surface hoar. In shallower areas weak facets and depth hoar exist below the Dec 10 interface. In deeper snow packs this basal weakness is less pronounced.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported or observed today.

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wide spread wind effect from this weekend has left windslabs on NE to SE aspects. These slabs could be up to 70cm deep.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 6th, 2019 4:00PM