Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 25th, 2012 4:06PM

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.

Generally stable avalanche conditions; however, it is still early season and many alpine features still contain many thin/ weak spots. Watch out for isolated wind effect in the alpine. Merry Christmas! IJ

Summary

Weather Forecast

Cold temperatures, light winds and little snow will prevail in the forecast period.Â Temps will be in the -10 to -15 range, with a few flurries and overcast skies on Wed., followed by a clearing trend for Thurs. and Friday.

Snowpack Summary

A storm on December 23 dropped between 15 to 30 cm of low density snow over the forecast region. Generally very little wind effect in storm snow, but some soft slabs have developed near ridge tops. The Nov. rain crust is breaking down but still identifiable in the bottom third of the pack. This layer is producing hard to no shears.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed today.

Confidence

The weather pattern is stable

Problems

Wind Slabs

A storm on December 23 dropped between 15 to 30 cm of low density snow over the forecast region. Generally very little wind effect in the storm snow, but variable ridge top winds have created some wind slabs at upper elevations.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Avoid freshly wind loaded features.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 26th, 2012 4:00PM