Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Jan 5 – 6, 2014Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 13 years ago

Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Natural avalanche activity is slowing down however the potential for human triggered avalanches remains high. Ski quality has improved significantly especially near the divide but enjoy the new snow by sticking with conservative terrain choices! CJ

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2
    New wind slabs are forming with lots of new snow available for transport.  If triggered these have the potential to step down to deeper facet layers and create large avalanches.  Probe for new or old wind slabs and avoid steep lee loaded terrain.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2–3
    The mid pack is strengthening in thicker snow pack areas but this means the potential for larger propagations on the weak basal layers is a real concern.  Stick to moderate angled well supported slopes and minimize exposure to large avalanche paths.

Weather Forecast

Clearing skies for Sunday with Moderate NW winds and temperatures falling to the low -20's overnight.  Slightly warmer temperatures for Monday with some cloud and gusty W winds at tree line with more seasonal temperatures on Tuesday.  Little to no precipitation is expected over the forecast period.

Snowpack Summary

20-30cm of recent storm snow with new wind slabs forming near ridge crests and in the alpine. This new snow overlies previous wind slabs which sit over the basal depth hoar/crust. Moderate compression test results found at tree line with sudden collapses on the depth hoar. A supportive mid pack is found near the divide and to the W.

Avalanche Summary

Today a skier accidental size 2 occurred in the W Bowl at Lake Louise which then triggered a size 2.5. Both avalanches failed on the basal facets. Yesterday numerous avalanches to size 2.5 stepping down to ground were observed in the alpine on all aspects including a size 2 on Pilsner Pillar, Mt. Dennis and a size 2 left of Silk Tassel, Mt. Field.

Confidence

Regions covered