Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 8th, 2017 4:00PM

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

aaron beardmore, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

The snowpack is weak, faceted and very complex. All characteristics of an old-school Rockies winter. Critical thought and nuanced decision making will be important for the rest of the season.

Summary

Weather Forecast

We are expecting up to 15mm of precip over the forecast region in the next 36 hours. The snow will be accompanied by moderate wind from the west at the 3000m level. Models also suggest that the temps will dive back to the -25 or colder range starting Tuesday afternoon.

Snowpack Summary

20-30 cm of faceted snow and wind slab sits over top of the weak December facet layer which in turn sits on the Nov 12 rain crust. This poor snow structure of firm snow over weak facets will likely be with us for some time and does not inspire confidence.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches were observed or reported today.

Confidence

Wind effect is extremely variable

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Natural and human triggering has tapered off in recent days, but forecasters still have little confidence and feel there is a high degree of variability across the forecast region. Where winbslabs exist be especially cautious.

Use caution in lee areas. Wind loading could create slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Jan 9th, 2017 4:00PM