Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Jan 25 – 26, 2014Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Beautiful weather and warm temperatures in the alpine. Climbers should take note on sunny climbs as the hazard could increase during the day. Forecasters still have lower confidence in thin snowpack areas due to the basal weak layer. SH

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Inverted temperatures at upper elevations could cause loose wet avalanches. This will be possible from very steep, sunny terrain which is sheltered from the wind.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3
    Triggering of the basal depth hoar/crust will be most likely from thin snowpack areas. These are harder to trigger now, but if you hit the "sweet spot", the avalanche will be full depth and large consequence.

Weather Forecast

Inverted temperatures will continue through to Saturday night when temperatures will drop at all elevations.  Expect alpine temperatures to approach 0C Saturday with a strong solar component. A light Northerly flow is expected for the next few days with no precipitation.

Snowpack Summary

Vermillion study plot (W of divide in a deeper snowpack area) near treeline showed no results in compression tests. HS 140cm. Inversion starting at treeline causing moist snow on solar aspects above the fog line. Surface hoar to 12mm growing in sheltered areas. In thin snowpack areas, biggest concern is triggering basal depth hoar/crust.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed in the last 24 hours.

Confidence

on Saturday

Regions covered