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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 29th, 2020–Dec 30th, 2020
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Conditions are excellent. Soft powder snow on the surface and last week's instabilities are stabilizing. We continue to be concerned about buried persistent weak layers, but no significant results recently. Now is a good time to be in the mountains.

Weather Forecast

A westerly flow, Pacific system will cross the region on Wednesday bringing clouds and only light accumulations (max 5 cm) and temperatures will remain cool, from -8 to -15. Winds may pick up on Wednesday from the SW.

Snowpack Summary

The snow surface conditions are soft, dry snow with isolated areas of wind effect at high elevations. The Dec 13 and Dec 7 sun crust/surface hoar/facet layers are down ~ 50cm and ~80 cm respectively and are strengthening. The decomposing Nov crust/facets sits at the bottom of the snowpack. Height of snow at tree line is 120-170cm.

Avalanche Summary

Reports from Kootenay and Yoho today indicated no new avalanche activity today with more aggressive ski testing happening as people are notching up their terrain choices.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Small windslabs might be found in steep, unsupported terrain in alpine areas. Use ski cuts to check locations before committing, the conditions are stable now but the odd windslab keeps getting reported.

  • Watch for shooting cracks or stiffer feeling snow. Avoid areas that appear wind loaded.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

This problem is confusing. It appears to be stabilizing according to all reports but the layers remain visible in snow profiles, thus continue to deserve respect. Overall the problem is unreactive but our confidence is low, improving by the day.

  • Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

This problem appears to be dormant during the current few days, but should remain on everyone's radar. It will reawaken with the next storm or significant weather change.

  • Be cautious in shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely

Expected Size: 1.5 - 3