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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 21st, 2014–Feb 22nd, 2014
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
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
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
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
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

We are strongly urging people to be very conservative this weekend with their terrain choices. This is due to the nature of the weak layer currently in the snowpack. SH

Weather Forecast

Expect flurries with local amounts of 5cm on Saturday. Temperatures will be in the -15 to -20 range over the weekend. Light gusting moderate NW winds for Saturday.

Snowpack Summary

30-70cm of recent storm snow is settling and overrides the Feb10th interface. A poor bond persists at this interface and many avalanches have been observed on this layer over the past week. Recent SW winds have created wind slabs in lee alpine terrain. These wind slabs are easily triggered and often step down to the Feb 10th interface.

Avalanche Summary

The natural avalanche cycle seems to have subsided, but skier triggered avalanches (up to class 2) were reported in the Lake Louise on Thursday, and two skier remotes were reported on the moraine approach to Peyto Glacier on Wednesday. Avalanche control on Mt. Whymper today produced avalanches to sz 2.5, likely failing on the Feb.10th interface.

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations on Friday

Avalanche Problems

Persistent Slabs

There is still a poor bond between the storm snow and the Feb.10 layer of facets and surface hoar. This interface is still very susceptible to human triggering.
Avoid open slopes with any steepness over 30 degrees.Avoid unsupported slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs have been forming at higher elevations from SW winds over the last few days.
Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline. Recent storm snow has formed touchy slabs.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3