Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 26th, 2011 4:00PM

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

Snow Safety, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

15-20cm fell at treeline and above in the last 24 hours, making for good tree skiing. An approaching weather system will mark a rise in avalanche danger starting on Wed. Amounts are uncertain, but it looks warm and wet. Stay tuned for updates. SH

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Wednesday

Problems

Wind Slabs

Soft windslabs up to 30cm thick have formed in the immediate lees of ridgetops. These have been of low cohesion with not much significant mass. Expect moderate SW winds Tuesday in the alpine which will add thickness to these slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

Although we have seen less activity on this layer in the last week, light loads can still cause slides on the basal depth hoar/October rain crust. Steep, thin areas are the most prone to triggering. This is less prevalent in thicker snowpack areas.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Dec 27th, 2011 4:00PM