Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Dec 8 – 9, 2012Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

The recent storm snow has helped create very good conditions. Some hidden hazards remain. JBW

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Soft to hard wind slabs can be found on lee and cross loaded slopes at and above treeline. Triggering is still possible on the right slope.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–3
    Isolated deep slabs have been noted every few days over the last month. Some of these have been explosive triggered and some natural, all failing near the ground on Nov 6 rain crust or glacial ice. There is still a concern for human triggering.

Weather Forecast

A short lived ridge on Saturday will be followed by a weak system Sunday. In the wake of Sunday's storm, the Arctic Front will descend southwards bringing colder temperatures

Snowpack Summary

Some wind slabs in open areas at and above treeline. Lower snowpack is well settled with some shears that are producing moderate resistant planar results. Major concerns are stubborn to touchy windslabs on north and east aspects with avalanche potential to size 2 and deep persistent slabs stubborn, isolated to size three failing on November crust.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches in the past 24 hrs. Storm related avalanches from the last week to size two in wind effected areas. Explosive control to size 3 stepping down to Nov. Crust.

Confidence

Wind speed and direction is uncertain on Sunday

Regions covered