Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Jan 29 – 30, 2012Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 15 years ago

Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

Updated forecast is still calling for up to 30 cm overnight and another 15 tomorrow. Coupled with strong W winds & freezing levels rising to 1600 m, expect hazard to rise, and may tip into EXTREME in areas receiving the forecasted amounts or more.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–3
    Recent control in Yoho & field obs in Kootenay today confirm the Jan 20 facet interface still active. 60-80 cm now sits over this layer. With additional load expect avalanches on this layer that may step to ground in thin snowpack areas.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3
    This layer is of concern in thinner snowpack areas. In Kootenay, a skier triggered a 60 cm thick size 1.5 slab, propagated 50 m on a 45 deg, open wind affected slope. Skier was carried 150 m and lost their pole - thx for the report!

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–3
    Up to 20 cm has fallen along the divide today. Expect an additional 30 overnight, and another 15 tomorrow. Strong west winds will accompany the snow fall. If this forecast is correct, natural and skier triggered avalanches are certain.

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Regions covered