Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Jan 13 – 14, 2019Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

The weak Oct.26 basal depth hoar and facets are not going to magically go away.  Its going to be a long waiting game for good conditions in bigger terrain and we are not there yet. Good ski quality exists in sheltered areas. 

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    These wind slabs are becoming less reactive but should be treated with respect if encountered.  If initiated these slabs could provide enough load to trigger the deeper basal layers.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2–3.5
    The facets and depth hoar 40 cm above the ground inspire little confidence. Some large natural avalanches are still occurring and human triggering is likely. This layer needs time to adjust to the load and this problem will be around for some time.

Weather Forecast

Inverted temperatures will persist for the next couple days with 3000m temperatures in the -5 to -2C range and valley bottom temperatures much cooler (-10 to -15C).  Winds will be light to moderate from the SW Sunday. 

Snowpack Summary

Snowfall since Jan2 has been redistributed by southwest winds yielding extensive wind effect in the alpine. In thick snowpack areas, the Dec 10th weak layer of facets is now down 100-150cm with a stronger snowpack below. In thin snowpack areas, there is little separation between Dec 10 and the weak depth hoar/ facets sitting 40 cm above the ground.

Avalanche Summary

Natural activity noted on Fatigue Mountain and Mount Ball up to size 3 today, both deep persistent slides scrubbing to ground. We have had observations like this every day for a week. Explosive control today at ski hills in previously controlled terrain produced minimal results,and reports were that the wind slabs were less reactive than yesterday. 

Confidence

Regions covered