Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 27th, 2011 4:57PM

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

brian webster, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Ten to 15 mm of precip is forecast for Wednesday and another 10 mm for Thursday night and Friday. This new snow in combination with forecast strong winds will increase the avalanche hazard.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

The 20 cm of storm snow that fell on Christmas day has been redistributed by two days of mod to strong south and south west winds. Fresh wind slabs have been created in the alpine and open terrain at treeline.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

The basal facets still linger at the bottom of the snowpack. Although we have not seen any recent avalanche activity on this layer be aware that this interface could become active with fresh snow loads.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Dec 28th, 2011 4:00PM