Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 13th, 2011 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 and Wind Slabs.

aaron beardmore, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Snowfall accumulations are uncertain for Thursday, but forecasted for ~10cm. Alpine hazard rating will depend on actual amounts received. Winds should remain light to moderate from the W/NW.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Thursday

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

The weak base of depth hoar and facets is now less sensitive to human triggering. We have now entered a period of "low likelihood - high consequence". Shallow and faceted areas are likely trigger points.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Wind Slabs

Wind-slabs are starting to form in high elevation lee areas from a light Westerly flow. These slabs will be between 10 and 25cm deep.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 14th, 2011 4:00PM