Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Jan 19 – 20, 2019Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

Basal instabilities can result in large avalanches with high consequences. Thinner snowpack areas will be more touchy and prone to avalanche. Make conservative choices.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3.5
    The weak facets and depth hoar just above the ground have an significant 50-140cm thick slab sitting above them. This slab has been hardened by wind effect TL and above. Activity is tapering, but human triggering is still possible and consequential.

Weather Forecast

10 to 15 cm is expected in the alpine by Saturday night. SW winds are expected to be in the moderate range for the same period. Windslabs would be expected to develop.

Snowpack Summary

40 to 60cm of settled snow sits on large facetted grains of varying strength. Treeline snow depths generally range from 100 to 150 cm. The facets in the lower portion of the snowpack are failing in tests often in the moderate range. Alpine, and open treeline areas can have great variability in snow depth and layering due to local winds.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches observed or reported today.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Regions covered