Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 16th, 2019 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Deep Persistent Slabs.

Aaron Beardmore, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Things are improving but uncertainty remains with forecasters regarding the deep persistent slab problem. Remaining conservative in your decision making is still advised.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A weak system will track through the forecast region starting Thursday night, bringing up to 15cm of snow by the end of Saturday. Temperatures will remain on the warm side of seasonal. Alpine winds will increase late friday to the strong range from the SW.

Snowpack Summary

Solar crusts on some steep SE to West slopes at TL. Surface hoar development at treeline.Â In thick snowpack areas, the Dec 10th weak layer of facets is now down 100-150cm with a stronger snowpack below. In thin snowpack areas, there is little separation between Dec 10 and the weak depth hoar/ facets sitting 40 cm above the ground

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches observed or reported today.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Saturday

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

The weak facets and depth hoar just above the ground have an significant 50-140cm thick slab sitting above them. This slab has been hardened by wind effect TL and above. Activity is tapering, but human triggering is still possible and consequential.

Be aware of the potential for wide propagations which could result in large avalanches.Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3.5

Valid until: Jan 17th, 2019 4:00PM