Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 23rd, 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.

The chance of triggering a large avalanche at higher elevations is decreasing, but the consequences of triggering one is large. Its still not a good time to go into bigger terrain. A pulse of strong wind and snow Sunday may elevate the hazard. SH

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Sunday

Problems

Wind Slabs

Thin windslabs formed from previous strong winds can be triggered in steep open areas. In some cases this may provide enough load to step down to the deeper basal layers to cause larger avalanches.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

Light loads can still cause slides on the basal depth hoar/October rain crust. Trigger points are thin areas in steeper terrain, where fractures can spread to thicker areas. Deeper snow packs with even distribution will be less prone to triggering.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Dec 24th, 2011 4:00PM