Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Jan 18 – 19, 2015Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

With new snow, warming temperatures and strong W winds forecast for Sunday afternoon, it will be important to watch the local snowfall amounts and wind loading in the areas you are traveling in and reduce your exposure as the hazard increases.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2
    New snow and strong W winds tomorrow afternoon will create wind slabs in open areas at tree line and above. Ice climbers should watch for sluffing in steep gullies as the new snow arrives.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Keep an eye on this layer as the new snow arrives. In shallower snowpack areas this layer has been facetting out. In deeper areas where a stronger slab exists above this layer it is more of a concern.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3
    In shallower snowpack areas (most of the region) the weak base of the snowpack persists and could be triggered in steep, rocky terrain features. This problem will persist for some time, give it careful consideration before entering serious terrain.

Weather Forecast

A storm is forecast to arrive by mid day on Sunday bringing 10-20cm of new snow and very strong West winds at ridge top near the divide. Less snow is forecast in eastern areas. The winds ease off a little on Monday and switch to the NW with a few more cm`s of snow forecast for Monday and Tuesday. Treeline temperatures remain between -4 and -10`C.

Snowpack Summary

A trace of new snow over facets, surface hoar, or sun crust on steep South slopes. The snowpack is generally weak and facetted throughout. The Dec 18 interface is evident down 20-40 cm and is still a concern in deeper snowpack areas. In shallower areas the slab above this has facetted out. Wind slabs exist in many open areas above tree line.

Avalanche Summary

No natural avalanche activity observed in past 72 hrs.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Sunday

Regions covered