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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 3rd, 2020–Dec 4th, 2020

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Overall we have had quality observations over the past few days. Watch for areas of wind slab in alpine areas, and be aware it is still possible to initiate a larger avalanche that can step down to the crust/facets. Enjoy the nice temperatures.

Weather Forecast

Another nice day Friday with inverted temperatures. Alpine temperatures will be just below freezing, and valley bottoms cooler. Alpine winds from the SW will pick up again into the strong range which should keep things relatively cool. No snow in the forecast.

Snowpack Summary

Variable surface conditions exist with hard wind slabs in exposed locations, softer snow in more sheltered areas and a surface crust on some solar aspects. The Nov 5 facet/crust combo is down 50-80 cm and producing hard to no results. This crust extends up to 2500 m on N aspects and higher on solar aspects. Snow depths at treeline are 70-140 cm.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed or reported in the forecast regions with good visibility.

Confidence

Due to the number and quality of field observations

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Deep Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a thick cohesive layer of hard snow (a slab), when the bond breaks between the slab and an underlying persistent weak layer deep in the snowpack. The most common persistent weak layers involved in deep, persistent slabs are depth hoar or facets surrounding a deeply buried crust. Deep Persistent Slabs are typically hard to trigger, are very destructive and dangerous due to the large mass of snow involved, and can persist for months once developed. They are often triggered from areas where the snow is shallow and weak, and are particularly difficult to forecast for and manage.

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.