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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 10th, 2015–Feb 11th, 2015
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
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
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
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Touchy avalanche conditions right now. Explosives continue to trigger large avalanches with 95% of the shots. It is a good time for conservative terrain choices!

Weather Forecast

The warm weather continues. Freezing levels will be rising to ~1900m during the days with light freezes overnight. Little precipitation in the forecast period with partially cloudy skies. Winds have been light but will be picking up to moderate from the West starting on Wednesday.

Snowpack Summary

45 - 70 cm of recent storm overlies a crust from January 30th. The recent heavy precipitation, and warmer temperatures have created very touchy storm slabs over top of the January 30th crust interface. Despite a weak freeze last night isothermal conditions persist at treeline and below.

Avalanche Summary

Avalanche control over the past four days in Banff, Yoho Park and Kootenay Park have produced numerous avalanches up to size 3. Most of the avalanches started dry and turned wet at lower elevations. Also, evidence of a widespread cycle up to size 3.5 throughout the forecast region. Some avalanches running close to full path.

Confidence

Due to the number and quality of field observations

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Fifty to 90 cm of storm snow exist on the January 30th crust interface. A poor bond exists at this interface and large avalanches have been observed running on this layer. Huge propagations are still possible.
If triggered the storm slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.Avoid freshly wind loaded features.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Loose Wet

A weak temperature crust overlies isothermal conditions at treeline and below elevations. Many loose wet avalanches that have gouged down to ground have been observed in past 48 hours.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

The base of the snowpack remains weak due to basal depth hoar/facets. Additional snow load, or a storm slab failure may trigger large to very large avalanches in thin snowpack areas.
Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain, large avalanches may reach the end of run out zones.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 4