Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 15th, 2014 4:00PM

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

aaron beardmore, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Although the danger is rated as moderate by definition, steep alpine slopes that have not previously avalanched should be treated as highly suspect.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Clear skies and temps around -10 persist. These weather conditions will have little affect on the danger rating.

Snowpack Summary

In the alpine a few cm`s of new snow overlies widespread wind slabs created by recent strong SW winds. At treeline and above, mild temperatures have helped strengthened the upper snowpack but the basal rain crust/facets remain weak. Below treeline a rain crust is present and the moist snow is gaining strength rapidly with the cooler temps.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches were observed or reported in the forecast region today.

Confidence

Due to the quality of field observations

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Natural avalanche activity has tapered off but snowpack tests show that the weak facets at the base of the snowpack continue to be a concern. With a stronger upper snowpack, triggering an avalanche is less likely but the consequences remain serious.

Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 16th, 2014 4:00PM