Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 27th, 2016 4:00PM

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

snow safety, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

A weak snowpack structure inspires very little confidence. Carefully consider your route and manage your group to minimize the potential for triggering.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Moderately cool temperatures and light snow for the next few days will hopefully begin to heal up the snowpack over the next few days.

Snowpack Summary

Treeline height of snowpack average values range from 100 to 170cm. The Feb 11 layer is of crust and isolated surface hoar is down 30 to 50cm. The Jan 6 layer of Faceted Crystals is the dominant snowpack feature and is down about 50-70cm. This layer is producing whumpfing, cracking and has been responsible for much of the recent avalanche activity.

Avalanche Summary

Natural activity seems to be tapering. No new avalanches to report.

Confidence

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Generally the snowpack has a weak midsection throughout the BYK region. Both the Feb 11 and Jan 6 layers produce significant shears in tests. Human triggering of large avalanches that could step down to the ground is a real possibility.

Watch for signs of instability such as whumpfing, or cracking. Use conservative route selection, choose moderate angled and supported terrain with low consequence.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Feb 28th, 2016 4:00PM