Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 21st, 2019 4:00PM

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

snow safety, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Its a mixed bag of wind effect, facets and powder at treeline and above. Watch for pockets of wind slab or heavy sluffing in very steep terrain.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A day and a half of light snow and clouds. Continuing cold temps that become tolerable through the day.

Snowpack Summary

Great variability is found in the snowpack in the alpine and near treeline. Deep facets, windslab, suncrust, and snow depths from 0-200+ cm are all present. Midpack surface hoar can be found in isolated locations at treeline and below, and is producing hard but sudden test results. A weak basal snowpack exists in many areas.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches were reported today.

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

A mix of old and new wind slabs have been found on various aspects that in the short term will be something to watch for in the terrain.

Variable winds may create pockets of wind slab in some unexpected locations.Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Dry

A sustained period of cold weather has driven the faceting process in the upper snowpack creating weak, dry surface snow. In steep terrain, these are sensitive to small natural and human triggers and can quickly gain enough mass to affect travelers.

Good group management is essential to manage current conditions safely.Avoid terrain traps, such as gullies, where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Feb 22nd, 2019 4:00PM