Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Feb 17 – 18, 2018Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 9 years ago

Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Despite the strong feel to the upper snowpack, the threat of large avalanches remains a concern. Please continue to play safe.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Strong winds Thursday night created widespread wind effect in most areas above treeline. Hard wind slabs exist in the alpine lees.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    2–3.5
    A 100-125cm dense slab of snow overlies three weak layers in the mid snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on the aspect and elevation.

Weather Forecast

Gradual cooling trend through the weekend. Light precipitation is expected tonight with accumulated amounts of 5cm by Sunday.

Snowpack Summary

Windslabs are common in open areas with loading on easterly aspects. Commonly, a deep slab overlies midpack weaknesses of surface hoar, crusts, and facets. The depth of these slabs varies from 75 cm to 150 cm. These layers have been producing very large avalanches over the past week.

Avalanche Summary

No new natural avalanches activity observed Friday. Reports of small skier triggered wind slabs, isolated to ridge crest were noted by ski patrol.

Confidence

Regions covered