Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 16th, 2013 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Cornices and Wind Slabs.

Brad White, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Winds switched to SW this afternoon and some heavy precipitation was occurring west of the divide. Watch for new cornices and touchy wind slabs on steep lee slopes.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A weak storm will pass through on Saturday night followed by a short lived ridge building in for Sunday/Monday

Snowpack Summary

Winds have switched to southwesterly today creating a more usual loading pattern. Perhaps 10cm of new snow may fall overnight. New and old wind slabs persist on all open slopes at and above treeline. Cornices are building. Lower elevation slopes with less than 1m etre depth are weak and facetted.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed today. Recent natural activity has been limited to steep lee terrain and small cornice falls.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Problems

Cornices

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, South West.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wind Slabs

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 17th, 2013 4:00PM