Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Jan 20 – 21, 2019Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
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. Windslabs may start to show up near ridgecrests

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    As of publication, we are close to threshold values for windslab. We need a little more input for this to become more widespread.

  • 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

Although more snow is still forecast Saturday, it is not showing up as a problem. Some windslab has been noted but it is very localized to ridgecrests.

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

An avalanche (1.5) was noted today on the north flank of mount Fairview.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Regions covered