Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Mar 12 – 13, 2012Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

Up to 20cm of new snow and strong wind is expected by Tues morning, adding more load to an already debilitated snowpack. Given the fragility of the Feb 14 layer, expect to see large and destructive avalanches running far and fast.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2–4
    A slab overlies the Valentine surface hoar down 60-100 cm. Natural activity with this layer is subsiding, however, it is still prime for human triggering. In test pits today, the layer was prominent and producing results in the moderate range.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–4
    Slabs starting on the Feb 14 layer can step down, triggering deep slabs. When triggered, these large and destructive avalanches will slide on basal facets close to the ground. Fracture lines could be up to 200cm deep with wide propagations.

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Tuesday

Regions covered