Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Jan 10 – 11, 2014Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 13 years ago

Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

A fairly strong storm system is forecast to arrive for the weekend. While improving the travel conditions, this storm will almost certainly push the avalanche danger to HIGH by Saturday evening. JBW

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Recent windslabs near ridge crests may be triggered. Avalanches will likely step down to the weak base.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3
    The weak base is the major problem layer in the snowpack. Avalanches will almost certainly involve the entire snowpack.

Weather Forecast

The stronger Pacific System is forecast to arrive mostly on Saturday with a potential for 20-30cm total over Western terrain before the snow ends Monday. Winds may push into the strong range briefly enhancing load.

Snowpack Summary

The winds have been relatively light for the last 24 hrs, and the forecasted push of Pacific moisture has yet to arrive, so the snowpack has not changed much. Windslabs over weak mid pack over very weak base of depth hoar and/or crust is the basic set up. The base is just waiting for some more load before another avalanche cycle begins.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity has been noted in the last 24 hrs. Whumphing and collapsing on lower angled terrain indicates the potential for skier triggered slides.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Saturday

Regions covered