Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 23rd, 2014 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Deep Persistent Slabs and Loose Wet.

Stephen Holeczi, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

The hazard is Moderate, but forecasters still have lowered confidence in the overall strength of the snowpack, especially in thin areas. SH

Summary

Weather Forecast

Expect an above freezing layer to develop Friday at upper elevations. Alpine temperatures may be close to zero until Sat. night with light Northerly winds. No precipitation is forecast for the next 2 days.

Snowpack Summary

The midpack is slowly strengthening. Sudden collapse compression results still found, failing at the base in old DH and on top of the crust in the hard range. Some moist snow in the afternoons on steep, solar aspects forming thin sun crusts overnight. Wapta Icefields snow cover reported as highly variable, ranging from 20cm-2m over the ice.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed.

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain on Friday

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Thin areas will have the biggest potential for triggering the basal depth hoar/crust layer. Caution is advised in steep, planar features. Avalanches will be full depth with large consequences.

Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, and shooting cracks.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Wet

Warmer temperatures forecast at higher elevations could cause some loose, wet avalanches in very steep, rocky terrain. Climbers should be cognisant of this.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 24th, 2014 4:00PM