Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 2nd, 2014 4:00PM

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

snow safety, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

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

Summary

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

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

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.

Use conservative route selection, choose moderate angled and supported terrain with low consequence.Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, and shooting cracks.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Wind Slabs

The wind affect will be encountered above treeline and above in wind exposed terrain.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, and shooting cracks.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 2

Valid until: Dec 3rd, 2014 4:00PM