Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 9th, 2014 4:00PM

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

snow safety, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

A fairly strong storm system is forecast to arrive for the weekend. While improving the travel conditions, this storm will almost certainly push the avalanche danger to HIGH by Saturday evening. JBW

Summary

Weather Forecast

The stronger Pacific System is forecast to arrive mostly on Saturday with a potential for 20-30cm total over Western terrain before the snow ends Monday. Winds may push into the strong range briefly enhancing load.

Snowpack Summary

The winds have been relatively light for the last 24 hrs, and the forecasted push of Pacific moisture has yet to arrive, so the snowpack has not changed much. Windslabs over weak mid pack over very weak base of depth hoar and/or crust is the basic set up. The base is just waiting for some more load before another avalanche cycle begins.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity has been noted in the last 24 hrs. Whumphing and collapsing on lower angled terrain indicates the potential for skier triggered slides.

Confidence

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

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

The weak base is the major problem layer in the snowpack. Avalanches will almost certainly involve the entire snowpack.

Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, and shooting cracks.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Wind Slabs

Recent windslabs near ridge crests may be triggered. Avalanches will likely step down to the weak base.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.Avoid freshly wind loaded features.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 10th, 2014 4:00PM