Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Jan 13 – 14, 2014Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 13 years ago

Avalanche danger

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

The avalanche cycle continues with many natural, human and explosive triggered avalanches occurring everywhere. Avoid avalanche terrain; this situation is very touchy and several close calls were had today. More snow and wind expected for Monday.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely - Very Likely
    Size
    1–3
    45 cm storm snow and extreme winds have created deep storm slabs that can easily be triggered by humans. Extreme winds on Monday night will only add to this problem.. Avoid all avalanche terrain until this cycle subsides.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely - Very Likely
    Size
    2–3
    The current avalanche cycle is overloading the entire snowpack and many deep avalanches have been observed sliding on the ground. Fracture lines in some areas greater than 150cm deep. The situation is very touchy; avoid all avalanche terrain.

Weather Forecast

Another 10-15cm is forecast on Sunday night, tapering my mid-day Monday. Extreme wind warnings are in effect, with gusts up to 110 km/hr expected. Temperatures will remain between -5 and -10. The longer range forecast shows this storm system to dissipate by Tuesday, leading to a drier week ahead.

Snowpack Summary

45cm of storm snow has fallen over the last few days, combined with very strong winds. Deep storm slabs have formed from new snow and wind loading; in excess of 100 cm in leeward areas. These slab are overloading a weak, facetted snowpack. WIth another 15 cm expected by mid-day Monday, this critical situation will persist for a few more days.

Avalanche Summary

Large natural and explosive controlled avalanches continue to occur in many areas, including slopes adjacent to the ski area boundaries. Numerous human triggered avalanches adjacent to the ski areas, including Maintenance Cliffs near Lake Louise and a very close call on Wawa Ridge. Avoid all avalanche starting zones on Monday.

Confidence

Regions covered