Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 14th, 2012 4:00PM

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

Snow Safety, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

10-20cm of low density snow has fallen at treeline and above in the last 24 hours, mainly W of the divide. Light SE to SW alpine winds Sunday, with "Yoho blow" valley bottom winds developing along the divide. The deep freeze is coming Monday. SH

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Wind speed and direction is uncertain on Sunday

Problems

Wind Slabs

Field tests in the Vermillion region were producing moderate planar compression results down 25-35cm at treeline and above. These wind slabs could be triggered in steep, wind effected areas by a skier or climber.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

A well settled midpack overrides a weaker facetted base. This weak base is found most places except the west side of the divide. Beware of steep shallow snowpack areas (where the likelihood of triggering this basal layer is highest).

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Jan 15th, 2012 4:00PM