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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 15th, 2013–Jan 16th, 2013
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Alpine lee areas are becoming loaded from recent strong wind. A small avalanche cycle has subsequently ensued. See photo of preserved surface hoar (Jan 6 layer).  en francais

Weather Forecast

Warm temps and strong winds from the NW will increase the danger rating to considerable tomorrow. The winds will subside and then pick up again on Thursday. However, at this time much of the snow will have already been transported.

Snowpack Summary

30 to 50cm of snow sit over the Jan 6th interface. Today, in Kootenay, the Jan 6 interface was well preserved surface hoar between 3 to 5mm in size. Snowpack tests provided easy shears. The slab characteristics were 'sudden planar', or rather, the column popped out like a cash register drawer. No other significant shears were noted.

Avalanche Summary

Several avalanches were observed in the alpine from recent wind loading from the NW. These observations included Mt. Hector, Observation Peak as well as other locations. The avalanches were between size 1.5 and 2.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent wind loading have created new wind slabs, predominantly in the alpine. They will certainly be reactive to riders and climbers.
Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.Avoid freshly wind loaded features.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

Beware of open areas at tree-line. Surface hoar is well preserved in sporadic locations. See picture from our Vermillion study plot.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3