Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 20th, 2016 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Loose Dry and Wind Slabs.

Lisa Paulson, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

We expect an avalanche cycle over Thursday & Friday. Stay clear of steep gullied terrain where loose snow avalanches are likely.AVALANCHE CONTROL FOR MT. BOURGEAU, SUNSHINE ROAD ON THURSDAY - PLEASE NO RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES IN THIS AREA

Summary

Weather Forecast

10-15cm of snow can be expected between now & the end of Friday on top of the 25 we have so far.Â The wind is will pick up on Thursday midday (Moderate West), peaking overnight, and moderate - strong through Friday. Temperatures will also rise with freezing levels climbing to 1800 m. We expect a small avalanche cycle with these inputs.

Snowpack Summary

With the forecast for moderate to strong West wind, the 15-25cm of recent storm snow will continue to build windslabs in the alpine & treeline. The overall snowpack has become weaker from the facetting process but is still supportive. In some areas the upper snowpack is comprised entirely of facets with no cohesion.

Avalanche Summary

Over the past week, several skier triggered and natural loose snow avalanches to size 2 have been reported in steep terrain gaining mass as they travel and running far. On Tuesday, forecasters were able to ski cut a size 1.5 windslab that entrained facets and ran for 700m near the Simpson slide paths in Kootenay NP.

Confidence

Problems

Loose Dry

Expect increased natural activity with forecast of wind, warming temperatures, and light snow. New snow and surface facets will sluff easily in steep terrain (40+ degrees) and run far.. Avoid exposure to steep overhead or gullied terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wind Slabs

The incoming snow and 10-25 new snow from the past week will build windslabs over the weak faceted snow surfaces with the forecast for mod- strong West wind & warm temperatures over Thursday & Friday. We expect a small avalanche cycle by Friday.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 21st, 2016 4:00PM