Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 21st, 2012 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Storm Slabs, Deep Persistent Slabs and Wind Slabs.

lisa paulson, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Seems most of the snow is falling to the West of us, and there is little to no snow in our forecast. Expect broken skies and warmer temps the next few days.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations

Problems

Storm Slabs

Contrary to what was forecasted, we only received 10-15 cm in the last 24 hr. Moderate SSW winds have developed thin reactive soft slabs in the immediate lees of features. This new snow rests on the weak facet interface from last weeks cold snap.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

There is a weak, faceted base found in most places except the west side of the divide. Many thin, trigger spots exist in the alpine and treeline due to strong winds. Click our Facebook link below to see images of recent basal failures near Sunshine.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Wind Slabs

Wind events, prior to the cold snap, created hard windslabs in loaded alpine terrain. During the cold snap these slabs were less sensitive, but may still be reactive in some areas now thats its warmer.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Jan 22nd, 2012 4:00PM