Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Jan 20 – 21, 2018Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Moderate danger means heightened avalanche conditions where human triggered avalanches are possible. Be cautious when traveling in complex terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Recent snow and accompanying winds have created windslabs at alpine and treeline elevations. Due to variable winds in the alpine expect the spacial distribution of this problem to be widespread.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    The Dec 15 layer continues to cause some uncertainty with forecasters. Few avalanche observations have been reported on this instability, though widespread cracking and whumphing is still occurring when traveling in the backcountry.

Weather Forecast

Trace amounts of precipitation expected through the weekend, winds will remain in the light to moderate rang and temperatures steady between -8 to -12.

Snowpack Summary

Newly formed windslabs on immediate lees at alpine and treeline elevations. In sheltered areas the upper snowpack consist of 20-30cm of soft slab over the Jan 6 surface hoar, this layer has been reactive in test results. The Dec 15 layer is still a concern 40-60 cm down. Much of the snowpack is facetted with little structure below treeline.

Avalanche Summary

Minimal avalanche activity reported today, Lake Louise ski patrol reported small skier triggered windslabs from loaded pockets at ridge crest.

Confidence

Regions covered