Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 31st, 2012 4:41PM

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

brian webster, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

The forecast calls for light flurries for Thursday. A ridge of high pressure arrives on Thursday bringing clear skies and warmer day time temperatures.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent strong s.w. winds have created windslabs up to a metre thick on lee slopes in the alpine (primarily N- E aspects). These slabs override the January 20 facets and are reactive to skier triggering.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Persistent Slabs

In many areas east of the divide where the snow is shallower the midpack overrides a layer of weak basal facets. Be extra cautious of thin snowpack areas where the chance of triggering this layer is highest.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Feb 1st, 2012 4:00PM