Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Dec 2 – 3, 2012Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Good skiing can be found at sheltered treeline elevations.  Watch for sloughing in very steep gullies if winds pick up. SH

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Shifty winds Sat. created thin wind slabs near ridge crests.  These will increase in size and sensitivity with continued wind transport.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3
    The Nov 6 rain crust is down 50-90 cm, and this is still a significant layer in the snowpack. Evaluate this layer carefully prior to entering steeper/bigger terrain.  Weakening of this layer through facetting has been the general trend.

Weather Forecast

2-5cm Sunday with mainly light-mod. S-SW winds forecast. and freezing levels up to 1500-1600m .  Alpine winds may spike Sunday evening in to Monday.

Snowpack Summary

Bow Peak Hwy93 N @2400m HS 95. CTHRP results on Nov6 CR prominent 20cm off of ground.  5cm HN24 in most locations being redistributed mainly from SW winds forming thin wind slabs on lee aspects at ridgetop. Facetting of snowpack winning in many areas

Avalanche Summary

When winds picked up there was a sz 1.5 sluff out of steep ski terrain in the Granddaddy couloir on Bow Peak.  Not much mass but would have flushed a skier or climber.  Lake Louise ski hill had no results bombing in previously uncontrolled terrain.

Confidence

Wind effect is extremely variable

Regions covered