Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Feb 2 – 3, 2013Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

Avalanche control is planned tomorrow during an afternoon warm spell. Mt's Bosworth, Stephen, Dennis, and the Vermilion Slide Paths will be affected. On this note, expect natural activity to spike on sunny slopes in the p.m.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Isolated wind slabs in steep terrain features may be human triggered or run naturally with slight additional loading. Warmer temp's on Saturday will initially weaken the bond of these slabs to the underlying snow.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3
    In Kootenay and Yoho there is a buried surface hoar and/or crust layer down about 50 cm. This layer may be triggered on steep terrain features where the wind may have stiffened up the overlying snow into a slab.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Hard slabs from previous high winds have been buried by recent storm snow. These slabs have been unreactive to skier triggering, but warm temp's or new wind loading may awaken them.

Weather Forecast

A high pressure ridge is driving mild, dry air through the region. This, coupled with clear skies, will cause temp's to rise to near 0* Celsius in the alpine Saturday, especially in the southern portions of the region. Winds should be in the light to moderate range from the west. Sunday will be few degrees cooler with possible light flurries.

Snowpack Summary

Two main layers in the upper pack are Jan 23 and Jan 4 surface hoar/ facets or suncrust down 25 & 55. Watch for wind slabs in all open areas. These may be easily triggered in steep terrain.

Avalanche Summary

Very little activity. Minor point releases on south-facing aspects reported, all in the surface snow. Expect some natural activity from southerly aspects tomorrow afternoon.

Confidence

Regions covered