Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Dec 21 – 22, 2019Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
4 · High
Below
4 · High
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Highlights

An excellent day to check out the local ski area.

Avoid overhead hazard and avalanche terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1–2

    As the snow accumulates, expect sluffing and point releases from steep, rocky terrain and gullies.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Very Likely
    Size
    1–3

    A touchy storm slab is forming and will become more sensitive to human triggering as the storm continues on Saturday.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    2–3.5

    The weak, faceted mid and lower pack is being stressed by the new storm snow and might be reaching threshold. Lots of uncertainty surrounds this layer, but if triggered it would result in a large avalanche.

Weather Forecast

The infamous atmospheric river did not disappoint today and the storm continues on through Saturday night with another 30-40cm forecasted. Temps will remain mild on Saturday with an alpine high of -4 and a freezing level up to 1500m. Winds will be moderate, gusting to strong from the S-SW. Clearing trend on Sunday with cooler temps and light winds.

Snowpack Summary

20-35cm of storm snow in the past 24hrs accompanied by moderate Southerly winds is forming a storm slab in the alpine and at tree line. Below the new snow the snowpack structure is generally weak, consisting of facets and depth hoar. The Nov crust is present up to 2500m and ~30 cm up from ground. Snowpack depths at treeline range from 90-160 cm.

Avalanche Summary

Poor visibility has obscured any avalanche observations, but a natural avalanche cycle is either happening or about to happen. Avoid avalanche terrain.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Saturday

Regions covered