Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 22nd, 2017 4:00PM

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

snow safety, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Watch for wind-loaded pockets in the alpine. Ice climbers may experience loose snow rotting out at lower elevations.

Summary

Weather Forecast

The Arctic High moves in on Friday bring sunny and cold weather through Saturday. Winds will be light to moderate from the north.

Snowpack Summary

The most significant layer in the snowpack is the Dec15 layer which is buried by 15-30 cm of low density storm snow. This weak layer consists of of surface hoar (at tree-line and below), sun crust or facets (depending on location). Mod shears have been observed on this interface. Thin wind-slabs have been reported in isolated areas in the alpine.

Avalanche Summary

No natural avalanches observed or reported in past 24 hours.

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

Isolated wind slabs are present in the alpine, however there is lots of snow available for transport. Pay attention to local winds as conditions can change quickly if the winds pick up.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 23rd, 2017 4:00PM