Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Feb 25th, 2013 4:01PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

ian jackson, Parks Canada

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.

Summary

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

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

Valid until: Feb 26th, 2013 4:00PM