Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 12th, 2014 4:00PM

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

stephen holeczi, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Cooler temperatures will lock down the snowpack below treeline this weekend. Be cautious on higher elevation features where the basal layers can be triggered. Ski quality is less than ideal, but its a good forecast for ice climbers. SH

Summary

Weather Forecast

The forecast is for a cooling trend throughout the weekend with temperatures staying below freezing starting Saturday. Winds will die down and stay light for the next 3 days. There is the possibility of a couple cm of snow Friday night and Sat. but don't expect much! Beyond that no significant snow is in the short, mid or long range forecasts.

Snowpack Summary

Strong SW winds have stripped windward aspects and created wind slabs in lee terrain in the alpine. Mild temperatures have promoted settlement in upper pack, but lower basal rain crust/facets at treeline and in the alpine remain weak. Warm temps and rain below treeline have promoted rapid settlement and a decrease in snow depths.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed today.

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain on Saturday

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Snowpack tests show that the weak facets at the base of the snowpack continue to be a concern.

Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Wind Slabs

Strong southwest winds have stripped windward areas and created fresh wind slabs in lee terrain in the alpine. These wind slabs will be reactive in the short term.

Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 13th, 2014 4:00PM