Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 25th, 2013–Feb 26th, 2013

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

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

The new snow has refreshed the ski quality! Use caution in lee alpine and treeline terrain as the fresh windslab instabilities will need time to settle out.

Weather Forecast

A series of weak systems will bring minimal precipitation, overcast skies with some sunny breaks, and light to moderate W/ SW alpine winds for Tues, Wed, and Thurs. Alpine temperatures will remain in the -8 to -15 range.

Snowpack Summary

W of the divide, 15-25 cm has fallen over the last 3 days and been blown into fresh windslabs at treeline and alpine elevations. This sits on a well settled snowpack. Jan. 6th SH is visible in pits in some areas but is decomposing and unreactive. E of the divide, 5-10 cm has formed thinner windslabs which sit on top of a mostly facetted snowpack.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed on a field trip in the Lake Louise backcountry.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Moderate to strong S and W winds yesterday created slabs in lee areas. Slab thickness will range from 5 - 50 cm depending on how much new snow was available for transport. These slabs were unreactive today in the Lake Louise backcountry

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Use caution in lee areas in the alpine. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2