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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 20th, 2013–Jan 21st, 2013
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
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

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Climbers, skiers and boarders should be aware of hard wind-slabs in the alpine. Ski conditions are extremely variable. Expect better travel West of the continental divide.

Weather Forecast

Very little change is expected over the next few days. However, a small system may be gracious enough to deposit a few centimeters of snow late on Wednesday. This will not be enough of an input to change the danger rating.

Snowpack Summary

The strong winds from the last few days have created wind slabs in lee areas in the alpine. In some areas these wind slabs will be very hard. Otherwise the storm snow from last week has settled to approximately 25cm and sits on top of the Jan 6 interface, a combination of surface hoar and facets.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches were observed or reported today. However, yesterday, a recreational party triggered a size 2, hard wind slab avalanche on Narao Shoulder, in Yoho National Park around tree line.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Watch for wind hard slabs in the alpine. They are susceptible to human triggering.
Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.Caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

The Jan 6 interface does not have enough load to be a primary concern. However, when more snow arrives, this layer will become problematic in specific areas (Kootenay Park near tree line).

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely

Expected Size: 2 - 2