Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Dec 3 – 4, 2014Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 12 years ago

Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Remote and human triggering is still possible, although the recent natural cycle has subsided. Travel conditions remain challenging based on an unconsolidated snowpack. AB

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    2
    The wind affect will be encountered above treeline and above in wind exposed terrain.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    2–3
    The primary problem in the snowpack is the interface between the recent storm snow and the November 6th and 24th facet/crust interfaces. This is the problem responsible for the majority of the avalanches in the past week. Watch for remote triggers.

Weather Forecast

A slight warming trend is entering the forecast region (3000m -16). Also, not more than 3cm of snow  is expected on Friday, which will not affect the danger rating.

Snowpack Summary

Recent storm snow has settled into a soft slab and has significant wind affect in open terrain at treeline and above. The lower half of the snowpack is a complex and poorly structured & comprised of the facets (Nov 24th) at the interface of the recent storm snow and a series of thin crusts (Nov 6th) and depth hoar at or slightly above the ground.

Avalanche Summary

Avalanche control yesterday produced a size 2.5 avalanche on the Sunshine roads path. This is indicative that triggering is still possible. No observations or reports of avalanches today.

Confidence

Regions covered