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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Feb 19th, 2021–Feb 20th, 2021
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

The incoming storm will increase the avalanche hazard over the next few days.

Weather Forecast

Temperature will gradually warm up through the weekend with freezing levels reaching 1500m by Monday. Light snow begging Saturday, the intensity will increasing through Sunday, Monday with total accumulation values of up to 40cm. This new snow will be associated with strong to extreme Westerly winds.

Snowpack Summary

Extensive wind effect and isolated, thin wind-slabs throughout the alpine. At tree-line and below the snowpack is well settled except the surface snow which is facetted and sluffs in steep terrain. A facet and sun crust layer buried Jan 27 persists at treeline down 30-40 cm.

Avalanche Summary

No new natural avalanches observed or reported today. Thursday, Sunshine ski patrol triggered a very large cornice that initiated a size 2.5 persistent slab. General local ski hills continue to initiate small wind slabs to size 1 with ski cuts and explosive.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Stronger winds will add to the wind effect in the alpine and create small wind-slabs in lee terrain. This problem will continue to develop as we see an increase in snow and wind over the weekend.

  • Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.
  • Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could trigger slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 1.5