Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 17th, 2013 4:00PM

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

snow safety, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

10 cm of new snow with little wind improved the travel conditions but did very little to increase the avalanche danger. Caution is still advised for older windslabs lingering on steep open slopes.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A ridge of high pressure will build in for Monday, followed by a weak front with little precipitation Tuesday and colder weather through till the end of the week.

Snowpack Summary

Approximately10 cm of new snow fell with very little wind. This was not enough to really increase the avalanche danger. There are still some lingering windslabs and some ripe cornices to be aware of. Shallow snowpack areas are weak.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity has been observed.

Confidence

Problems

Cornices

Wind earlier in the week has created some ripe touchy cornices. Some older cornices are starting to cleave off as well.

Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wind Slabs

There is still a real possibility of triggering a wind slab on the right slope. Steep unsupported slopes near ridgecrests are the most likely terrain and should be avoided.

The recent snow may now be hiding windslabs that were easily visible before the snow fell.Be careful with wind loaded pockets

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Feb 18th, 2013 4:00PM