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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 28th, 2017–Dec 29th, 2017
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
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
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

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

We have increased the danger rating due to loose dry avalanches which can run further than expected in steep terrain, especially gullies where the sluff can collect and travel far. SH

Weather Forecast

Friday looks like a cold one with highs in the -20's.  Some forecasts are calling for 15cm from Thursday to Sat with light to moderate winds shifting to the East.  There is potential for temperatures to start moderating at the start of the New Year.

Snowpack Summary

The upper snow-pack is facetting with the cold temperatures and starting to sluff easily in steep terrain. Some thin, hard wind slabs observed in lee areas in the alpine. The Dec.15 layer of surface hoar (below 2100m) and hard surfaces or facets (depending on location) is down 15-30 cm. Some moderate shears have been observed around this interface.

Avalanche Summary

Avalanche control at Sunshine Village resulted in very thin wind slabs which were very stubborn in nature out of very steep terrain.  The main concern was the facets which were initiated and acted as a loose dry avalanche running further than expected.  Similar reports from recreational ski parties in steep gully terrain.

Confidence

Due to the number and quality of field observations

Avalanche Problems

Loose Dry

The cold temperatures have facetted the surface snow, and once initiated can travel far.  Manage your sluffs if skiing steep terrain and heads up for big spindrift if climbing in gullies.
Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2