Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Jan 28 – 29, 2015Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Cooler temperatures forecasted for tomorrow should tighten up the snowpack. Watch for lingering windslabs in the alpine.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3
    Very strong SW winds over the past few days have created windslabs in lee terrain above treeline. These slabs have the potential to trigger the deeper layers in the snowpack, making for a large avalanches. Avoid all windloaded terrain.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    2–3
    The basal snowpack remains very weak. The facets and depth hoar near the base of the snowpack will produce large avalanches when triggered.

Weather Forecast

A mix of sun and cloud through Wednesday and Thursday. A cooling trend is forecasted with freezing levels to valley floors overnight, rising to 1500 meters during the day. Winds from the west in the moderate range.

Snowpack Summary

Very strong westerly winds have seriously blasted the region. Wind pressed snow and wind slabs in lee terrain can be expected in the alpine. On Tuesday the snowpack was isothermal below treeline in many areas, but we expect this condition to improve with forecasted cooler temperatures on Wednesday.

Avalanche Summary

The warm temperatures created a widespread avalanche cycle on Sunday and Monday. Tuesday saw slightly cooler temperatures and less natural activity. Avalanches observed were restricted to isothermal avalanches in shallow snowpack areas below treeline.

Confidence

Regions covered