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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 22nd, 2022–Jan 23rd, 2022
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
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.

http://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/links/goto_e.asp?destination=http://avalanche.ca/spaw/2022-01-20-spaw

Steep solar aspects could see increase natural avalanche activity this weekend as clear skies and warmer temps heat southerly aspects.

Be mindful of overhead avalanche hazard, especial on solar aspects.

Weather Forecast

The ridge of high pressure will begin to break down on Sunday with winds becoming more westerly at ridge top.  Peak wind values at ridge crest will be in the strong to extreme range through the day. Temperatures will be warmer with freezing levels near 1500m. Steep, sheltered South aspects will likely see increased warming due to solar heating. 

Snowpack Summary

Recent wind and new snow have created fresh wind slabs in the alpine and some tree-line areas. Much of the new snow overlay a facet interface formed in late December. The Dec. 2 crust and facets are generally 60-90cm deep and still producing results in snowpack tests. Some thin snowpack areas have lingering basal depth hoar and facets.

Avalanche Summary

Avalanche control in Kootenay and on the Sunshine road Friday produced several results to size 2 at alpine and tree line elevations. The predominant weak layer triggered, were surface winds slabs 20-40cm deep. This past week we have observed several large avalanches failing on the persistent avalanche problem.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent winds have created wind-slabs in the alpine and some tree-line locations. Avalanche control Friday produce several results to size 2 on this layer. With Extreme winds forecasted Sunday the sensitivity of this avalanche problem could increase.

  • Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

This problem represents both the Dec. 2nd crust/ facet layer (treeline and below) and layers of faceted snow that were formed during the late December cold snap (all elevations). If triggered, either layer will result in large avalanches.

  • Forecasters are operating with alot of uncertainty at this time.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3.5