Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 20th, 2014 4:00PM

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

snow safety, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Weak basal facets underlie a variety of untrustworthy windslabs and crusts. Many exposed areas are blown out and rocky.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Light snow and continued moderate temps are forecast. This is unlikely to change the danger rating in the short term.

Snowpack Summary

Wind slabs and facets dominate the Alpine snowpack. Treeline presents a variety of crusts, slabs and thin areas overlying large weak facets. Below treeline a rain crust is present and the snowpack is solidly frozen in most areas. Thin windslab is developing in steep lee areas.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity was noted today.

Confidence

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Natural avalanche activity has subsided but snowpack tests show that the weak facets at the basal level continue to be the big issue. The slab that rests on this weak structure may indicate some strength in places but in fact very little has changed.

Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 21st, 2014 4:00PM