Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Feb 7 – 8, 2018Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

Touchy conditions persist. If avalanches are triggered, expect deep fractures and wide propagations. The better choice is to avoid avalanche terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2.5
    Increased wind at high elevations has created wind slabs in lee areas. The slabs are up to 100cm thick.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely - Very Likely
    Size
    2–3.5
    Three weak layers exist in the upper snowpack: Jan 16, Jan 6, and Dec 15. All are a mix of sun crust, surface hoar and facets depending on the aspect and elevation. 50-100 cm of snow over the last week has overloaded these layers.

Weather Forecast

The next storm should arrive early Wednesday. By Thursday we could see accumulations of up to 35cm. Moderate wind from the SW and temps near zero will accompany the storm cycle.

Snowpack Summary

Storms from the last 9 days have deposited up 100cm of storm snow. The main concern in the snowpack lurks below and continues to be the 3 persistent weak layers of surface hoar and/or facets that are found between 50 and 100cm down. We continue to observe sudden test results, whumphing and large propagations on these layers.

Avalanche Summary

Lake Louise ski area reported triggering a large size 3 avalanche with explosives today. At the very end of the day Visitor Safety responded to a potential involvement on Quartz Ridge. It ended up be a remote triggered size 3 from a recreational party with no involvement.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Thursday

Regions covered