Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Jan 12 – 13, 2018Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

The snowpack has almost reached tipping point - but not quite - with 40cm of soft snow overlying the Dec 15 weak layer (surface hoar & facets) we just need a slight change to the overlying slab density to have an avalanche cycle. Be careful!

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Soft windslabs formed during the last storm exist near ridge crests and under cliff bands. Watch for the changing feel of the snow under your feet and be wary of areas with denser surface snow.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    There is a dangerous weak layer down 30-40 cm but it needs a stiffer slab overlying it for the avalanche to occur. We are "almost" at that tipping point so be very careful with this layer and travel conservatively even if you observe no avalanches.

Weather Forecast

Friday will continue to be cold and clear with overnight lows of -20 and daytime highs reaching -13. No precipitation in the forecast for Friday and winds will be light from the northwest.

Snowpack Summary

30 cm of low density snow has fallen over the past 5 days with limited wind effect except near alpine ridge crests. There is now a total of 30-50 cm overlying the Dec 15 persistent weak layer which is becoming reactive at treeline and above. We are closely monitoring the overlying slab properties and watching for the snow to become more dense.

Avalanche Summary

A solo backcountry skier triggered a size 2 avalanche on Richardson's Ridge today outside the Lake Louise Ski Resort boundary - this was a treeline area with a shallow snowpack. As well, numerous small windslabs were observed to have run over the past 48 hours during the recent storm.

Confidence

Regions covered