Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Jan 26 – 27, 2012Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 15 years ago

Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

The 15-25cm of snow from the last 24 hours is being redistributed by strong to extreme west winds. Reports from the local ski hills confirm that soft slabs are rapidly developing in ridge-top lee areas. Expect another 5-10cm overnight with west winds

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2
    At treeline 30-50 cm of settled storm snow sits overtop of the Jan 20 facet interface. Where the wind has created soft slabs this layer is touchy and reactive to skier triggering. Immediate lees of ridges above treeline are the areas of most concern.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3
    In most parts of the forecast area a settled midpack overlies a weak facetted base. Be aware of steep shallow snowpack areas where the likelihood of triggering these basal facets is highest. The basal facets are still reactive in the Lake Louise b/c.

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Regions covered