Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Jan 11 – 12, 2019Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 8 years ago

Avalanche danger

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

New windslabs are being formed in lee areas. Slabs can step down to deeper instabilities creating large avalanches that can run full path. Be patient, it will get better.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2.5

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2–3.5
    The Oct. 26 layer is still very active. Some large natural avalanches are still occurring and human triggering is likely. This layer needs time to adjust to the load and this problem will be around for some time.

Weather Forecast

Warmer temps and steady moderate winds are forecast. Along with light snow over the weekend avalanche conditions should remain static.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 70 cm of recent snow with variable wind effect has put a dense slab over the persistent weak layers. In thicker snow pack areas, the Dec. 10th weak layer of facets is now down 100-150cm with a stronger snowpack below. In thin snowpack areas, the Dec.10th layer is mixed in with the October 26 basal facets and crust.

Avalanche Summary

Numerous avalanches were reported today on east and north facing slopes in the Banff area to size 2.5 Thursday. It is likely this was the result of warming temperatures and new wind loading.

Confidence

Regions covered