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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 18th, 2013–Jan 19th, 2013
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
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
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.

Weather Forecast

Benign weather forecasted for the weekend.  Thankfully the winds will ease off to light to moderate WNW, may see a trace of snow tomorrow, and otherwise expect partly cloudy to sunny skies for the weekend with alpine temperatures in the -6 range. 

Snowpack Summary

30cm of snow sits over the Jan 6th interface (surface hoar in kootenay it's worth to dig down to check on the interface in a few places). Few avalanches have occurred on this interface, it may need more load. There is a strong midpack West of the divide.  East side has been wind hammered leaving wind crust/slab over weaker snow layers.

Avalanche Summary

No natural activity was observed on a field trip into the backcountry of Yoho NP. Winds were howling once again at ridge-top from Lake Louise and east, but poor visibility prevented decent observations of high alpine start-zones. Widespread wind-effect was noted above tree-line. It may be hard to find good skiing in the alpine until the next storm.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

The warm temperatures and continued settling seems to be helping the recent wind slabs bond to the various underlying surfaces. These slabs have become stubborn to trigger, but human triggering is still possible.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

Jan 6 layer could be a failure plane in areas with enough load or on the right slope (steeper unsupported features).  May still need a little more load for this layer to become more reactive.  Dig down & check for surface hoar (kootenay, sunshine).

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3