Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Jan 24 – 25, 2014Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

The hazard is Moderate, but forecasters still have lowered confidence in the overall strength of the snowpack, especially in thin areas. SH

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Wet

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Warmer temperatures forecast at higher elevations could cause some loose, wet avalanches in very steep, rocky terrain. Climbers should be cognisant of this.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3
    Thin areas will have the biggest potential for triggering the basal depth hoar/crust layer. Caution is advised in steep, planar features. Avalanches will be full depth with large consequences.

Weather Forecast

Expect an above freezing layer to develop Friday at upper elevations. Alpine temperatures may be close to zero until Sat. night with light Northerly winds. No precipitation is forecast for the next 2 days.

Snowpack Summary

The midpack is slowly strengthening. Sudden collapse compression results still found, failing at the base in old DH and on top of the crust in the hard range. Some moist snow in the afternoons on steep, solar aspects forming thin sun crusts overnight. Wapta Icefields snow cover reported as highly variable, ranging from 20cm-2m over the ice.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed.

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain on Friday

Regions covered