Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 24th, 2018 4:05PM

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

snow safety, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

A cautious approach to terrain is important as large avalanches are still possible. The cold temperatures are facetting out thin snowpack areas.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Light snowfall, gusty winds, and and gradually warming temperatures each day this week will hold the avalanche forecast steady.

Snowpack Summary

Wind effected surface snow and settling storm snow overlies three mid- pack weak layers 100-130cm down that are gaining strength. These layers continue to produce moderate, sudden planar test results on surface hoar in deep tap tests, and hard to no results with standard compression tests. Thin snowpack areas are degrading/facetting in the cold.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported or observed in the last 48 hours.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Problems

Persistent Slabs

A strong upper snowpack overlies three weak layers in the mid snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on location, and we are slowly gaining confidence with these layers.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Feb 25th, 2018 4:00PM