Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Jan 21 – 22, 2013Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 14 years ago

Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Climbers, skiers and boarders should be aware of hard wind-slabs in the alpine. Ski conditions are extremely variable. Expect better travel West of the continental divide.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–3
    Watch for wind hard slabs in the alpine. They are susceptible to human triggering.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely
    Size
    2
    The Jan 6 interface does not have enough load to be a primary concern. However, when more snow arrives, this layer will become problematic in specific areas (Kootenay Park near tree line).

Weather Forecast

Very little change is expected over the next few days. However, a small system may be gracious enough to deposit a few centimeters of snow late on Wednesday. This will not be enough of an input to change the danger rating.

Snowpack Summary

The strong winds from the last few days have created wind slabs in lee areas in the alpine. In some areas these wind slabs will be very hard. Otherwise the storm snow from last week has settled to approximately 25cm and sits on top of the Jan 6 interface, a combination of surface hoar and facets.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches were observed or reported today. However, yesterday, a recreational party triggered a size 2, hard wind slab avalanche on Narao Shoulder, in Yoho National Park around tree line.

Confidence

Regions covered