Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 15th, 2012–Feb 16th, 2012

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Small systems are lined up to hit the Rockies Thursday and Saturday. Winds will accompany the new snow and form soft slabs on the buried Valentine's surface hoar in alpine and tree-line lee features. Keep your head up for changing surface conditions

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

While the storm snow is mainly unconsolidated from Lake Louise north, it is reported to be slabbing up in the Sunshine B/C. A skier-triggered sz 1.5 occurred near Quartz Ridge today. As the slabs stiffen on the surface hoar, expect them to be touchy.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Cornices

Strong winds from earlier in the month have created large cornices on lee (mostly easterly) aspects. Several large cornice collapses have been observed over the past week. These cornices could be a big enough to trigger a deep slab.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 3