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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 22nd, 2015–Jan 23rd, 2015
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
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
4: High
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be high
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
4: High
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be high
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Stay tunned - a significant weather system is forecasted for the weekend bumping up the hazard. We are monitoring the incoming system which will be most intense along and West of the divide. Game on...

Weather Forecast

Another benign day of weather for Friday.  We are keeping a close eye on a significant system moving in Friday night through to Sunday.  We are expecting significant snowfall, along the divide and on the West side.  The winds will be moderate to strong Westerly during the system with temperatures warming on Sunday with alpine highs of 0C. 

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack remains fundamentally weak, with a combination of windslab, surface hoar and basal facets all causing concern in different types of terrain. Snowpack tests continue to produce moderate to hard sudden results on the basal weakness/ Dec. 18th interface which has become one and the same in many areas.

Avalanche Summary

No natural avalanches observed, but forecasters on Mt. Field reported a couple large whumphs in an open area below treeline, indicating human triggering of deeper weak layers is still possible in the right terrain.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Surface windslabs formed on Jan 18/19 can be triggered by skiers and climbers. Feel for tension in the surface snow and avoid freshly windloaded terrain.
If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

In shallower snowpack areas (most of the region) the weak base of the snowpack persists and could be triggered in steep, rocky terrain features. Although in some areas, the Dec. 18th layer persists, management of both layers should be the same.
Be aware of the potential for wide propagations.Avoid thin, rocky or sparsely-treed slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3