Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Jan 7 – 8, 2014Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

The avalanche danger is reduced slightly from yesterday's peak of HIGH, but explosive triggered avalanches continue. Temperatures 5-10 degrees warmer were observed at higher elevations. Ice climbers should be wary of south facing overhead hazard.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Recent winds have created thin windslabs on steep, windloaded terrain features. Approach all windloaded terrain with respect, stop at the top and evaluate before you choose your route through.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2–3
    The weak snowpack continues to dominate the entire region, and avalanches can be easily triggered in shallow areas at treeline and above. Keep your distance from avalanche starting zones, and work the terrain very carefully to manage your exposure.

Weather Forecast

The weather pattern will remain unchanged for the next few days. Only trace amounts of snow are expected, along with light to moderate westerly winds. Tuesday's temperatures will hit lows of -17, followed by gradual warming through the rest of the week. Big snow for next Saturday? We're too far out to have any confidence, but maybe.

Snowpack Summary

Total snowpack depths across the region range from 100-140 cm, and are comprised of soft surface snow above a weak and facetted snowpack. In many areas at treeline and above, recent winds have created thin windslabs. Foot penetration is to ground in most places, again demonstrating the weakness of the snowpack. This situation will not change soon.

Avalanche Summary

The widespread avalanche activity that was reported yesterday has subsided from its peak, although avalanche control today produced avalanches to size 2.5 in a number of locations. Most failures occurred at the ground level in the depth hoar, and human triggering is still likely in many locations.

Confidence

Regions covered