Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 19th, 2013 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

Aaron Beardmore, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

AVALANCHE CONTROL - Tomorrow on Mt. Dennis and Mt. Whymper. No climbing or skiing in these areas tomorrow. This includes Carlsberg Column, Pilsner Pillar and Guiness Gulley.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Expect light wind and little precip until Thursday. On Friday, models are showing a significant delivery of precipitation. Expect the danger rating to remain as is until Friday where it will increase significantly, potentially to HIGH.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 20cm of low density snow sit overtop a variety of different wind slabs. In shallow locations, the snow pack is losing strength to the faceting process drastically.

Avalanche Summary

In the Sunshine back country, two skiers triggered a size 1 point release avalanche on Twin Cairns. The skiers were able to ski off to the side and were not involved.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Friday

Problems

Wind Slabs

Low density snow has buried wind slabs that were formed last week. Keep this in mind while exploring alpine features.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.Carefully evaluate and use caution around thin snowpack areas.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 20th, 2013 4:00PM