Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Feb 15 – 16, 2019Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Windslab formation is expected to begin with the new snow tomorrow. Open, lee ridgecests should be suspect. New snow should make skiing excellent.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2
    We expect the odd windslab to rear its head in steep, alpine terrain. Pay particular attention to this if you are in any terrain with consequence below you such as cliffs or other terrain traps.

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1
    Consistent cold temperatures have faceted the upper snowpack. In steep alpine features loose surface snow can easily entrain mass causing small avalanches. Thin steep rocky terrain is the prime candidate for this problem.

Weather Forecast

Daytime temperatures will range from -20 to -10. Some snow (5-15cm) is forecast with moderate winds. We will likely see windslabs form in open areas, in the lee of ridgecrests.

Snowpack Summary

5-10 cm of new snow overlies low density facets that formed near the surface during the current cold spell. These surface conditions can produce dry loose avalanches in steep places, but slab formation has been minimal. The distribution of the Jan 17 SH is spotty, but in some areas (Kootenay) it appears prominent; strength tests are hard & sudden

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed or reported.

Confidence

Regions covered