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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 15th, 2021–Dec 16th, 2021

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

There is uncertainty regarding wind slabs in the alpine due to minimal observations. Benign weather and a dive in temperatures Thursday/Friday will likely continue to improve conditions.

Weather Forecast

Light winds, cold temperatures (below -20C), and no new snow expected on Thursday. Friday will have slightly warmer temperatures (-12C) and continued light winds.

Snowpack Summary

20-30 cm of low density surface snow with limited windslab development in the alpine. There is a Dec. 2 rain crust below 2200m down 40-60cm which has facets above and below which will be one to watch in the future. The basal Nov.5 crust is found in thin areas but is currently dormant. Average HS at treeline 150cm.

Avalanche Summary

Lake Louise ski hill had explosive controlled wind slabs to size 2 in very steep alpine features. No other avalanches noted.

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.