Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Feb 10 – 11, 2015Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

Avalanche control will be conducted on Mt. Stephen, Mt. Dennis, and on Mt. Hector on Tuesday. Please no skiing or climbing in these areas.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely - Very Likely
    Size
    2–3
    Fifty to 90 cm of storm snow exist on the January 30th crust interface. A poor bond exists at this interface and large avalanches have been observed running on this layer. Huge propagations are still possible.

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2–3
    A weak temperature crust overlies isothermal conditions at treeline and below elevations. Many loose wet avalanches that have gouged down to ground have been observed in past 48 hours.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    2–3
    The base of the snowpack remains weak due to basal depth hoar/facets. Additional snow load, or a storm slab failure may trigger large to very large avalanches in thin snowpack areas.

Weather Forecast

A weak freeze overnight with freezing levels rising to 1800m on Tuesday. Some flurries forecasted but little in the way of accumulation.

Snowpack Summary

45 - 70 cm of recent storm overlies a crust from January 30th. The recent heavy precipitation, and warmer temperatures have created very touchy storm slabs over top of the January 30th crust interface.  Despite a weak freeze last night isothermal conditions persist at treeline and below.

Avalanche Summary

Avalanche control over the past three days in Banff, Yoho Park and Koorenay Park have produced numerous avalanches up to size 3. Many of the avalanches started dry and turned wet at lower elevations. Also, evidence of a widespread cycle up to size 3.5 throughout the forecast region. Some avalanches running close to full path.

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain

Regions covered