Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Jan 21 – 22, 2015Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

We cautiously drop the treeline danger rating to Moderate, but expect that human triggered avalanches remain likely in many areas at treeline and above.  Don't let the lack of natural avalanche activity fool you. Travel carefully.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Surface windslabs formed on Jan 18/19 can be triggered by skiers and climbers. Feel for tension in the surface snow and avoid freshly windloaded terrain.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–3
    The distribution of this layer is difficult to follow, but assume it exists in the snowpack and look for it in the upper 40 cm.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3
    In shallower snowpack areas (most of the region) the weak base of the snowpack persists and could be triggered in steep, rocky terrain features. This problem will persist for some time, give it careful consideration before entering serious terrain.

Weather Forecast

The westerly flow continues with no snow in the forecast until early Thursday morning. Treeline temperatures on Wednesday will range from -4 to -8 with alpine winds increasing to 50-70 km/hr by the afternoon. A total of 5 cm of snow is expected by Friday.

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack remains fundamentally weak, with a combination of windslab, surface hoar and basal facets all causing concern in different types of terrain. Snowpack tests continue to produce moderate, sudden results on the Dec 18 layer down 40 cm from the surface.  Human triggering is likely.

Avalanche Summary

No natural avalanches observed, but human and explosive triggered avalanches persist.  Yesterday someone in the Sunshine Village backcountry triggered a windslab that took them for a 50m ride. Avalanche control on Mt Dennis in Field today produced no slabs, but loose snow avalanches ran 1000m over Pilsner Pillar.

Confidence

Regions covered