Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Dec 27 – 28, 2018Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

The snowpack is slowly starting to stabilize however forecasters confidence is low. Remember that human triggered avalanches are still possible with a Moderate danger rating. It is still a good idea to avoid bigger features and convex terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2.5
    This problem is the Dec 10 surface hoar/facet layer which is down 40-80 cm along the Divide. Although this layer is stabilizing, there is still uncertainty with this interface. Evaluate this layer carefully prior to committing to bigger slopes.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1.5–3
    This problem dominates the central and eastern part of the forecast region and will continue to do so for some time. Natural activity on this layer has decreased but human triggered avalanches on this layer are still possible.

Weather Forecast

Thursday will bring a mix of sun and cloud with day time highs (at treeline) of -5 to -8. Winds forecasted to be light and there is no snow in the forecast through Friday. More snow and stronger winds are expected on Saturday.

Snowpack Summary

In deeper snowpack areas there is 60-80 cm of settled snow over top of the Dec10 surface hoar/facet layer. Shears on this layer are generally producing hard but sudden planar results. In shallow areas the main concern is the weak basal facets which continue to produce whumphing and easy test results. Extra caution is warranted in shallow areas.

Avalanche Summary

One fresh natural avalanche observed on Observation Pk. Ski hills reported no new natural activity and only minimal results with explosives.

Confidence

Regions covered