Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Feb 26 – 27, 2015Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Low danger means "small avalanches in isolated areas or extreme terrain". We expect these areas to be south and west facing slopes in the afternoon, as well as open alpine slopes with shallow snowpack treeline and above.

Avalanche problems

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3
    The lower half of the snowpack is weak due to the presence of basal depth hoar and facet layers. Natural and human triggering is unlikely, but possible in steep open slopes with shallow snow, or south and west facing terrain during mid-day.

Weather Forecast

A NW flow over BC and Alberta is keeping the air cool with no significant precipitation expected in the next few days. Highs for Thursday of -9 with light winds and a  mix of sun and clouds. Clear skies and sun result in strong solar radiation this time of year, so pay attention to the snowpack if the sun is shining on it.

Snowpack Summary

A textbook Rockies snowpack exists, comprised of weak facets and depth hoar near the base overlain with a 40-60 cm stiff slab of snow. No significant snow over the past few days and a cooling trend has minimized any surface instabilities. Triggering is unlikely except in open, shallow snowpack areas and steep south facing slopes in the afternoon.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported today.

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations

Regions covered