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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 20th, 2022–Feb 21st, 2022
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

The cold temps should help reduce the avalanche hazard in the coming days. The primary avalanche concern is wind slabs at upper elevations, especially where the slab overlays a crust.

Weather Forecast

The arctic air establishes itself into the forecast region on Monday, expect partly cloudy skies, light east winds, and plummeting temperatures to -30 overnight.  On Tuesday expect clear skies, light winds and continued frigid temperatures. The ridge will weaken by the end of the day on Wed. with increasing cloud and warmer temperatures.

Snowpack Summary

30-45 cm of new snow has fallen over the past 4 days. Previous strong west winds created slabs at treeline and above. Areas to the west received the most snow. These wind slabs may release easily on the various firm surfaces underneath. The Jan 30th surface hoar/sun crust interface exists 40-60 cm below the surface and is currently unreactive.

Avalanche Summary

Natural avalanches up to size 2 out of large alpine start zones, and skier triggered avalanches to size 1 were reported occurring during the height of the storm on Saturday. The local ski hills reported explosive triggered slab and loose dry avalanches up to size 1.0 out of treeline terrain and 1.5 out of alpine terrain on Sunday.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Consistent strong winds and snow accumulation over the past 4 days have developed wind slabs. These new winds slabs are sitting on a verity of surfaces like hard slab, SH and facets. Expect to find them in most leeward and drifted slopes.

  • Watch for surface cracking and stiffer surface layers of snow.
  • Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Storm Slabs

With up to 45cm of new snow accumulation and previous warm temps, some areas with high snowfall amount may have developed a storm slab. Expect this to be more reactive in areas where the bed surface exists as a crust.

  • Watch for fresh storm slabs on exposed lee slopes and open areas at all elevations.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2