Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 20th, 2014–Dec 21st, 2014

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

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

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

Avalanche 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