Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 26th, 2016–Dec 27th, 2016

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

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

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

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

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

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.

Small inputs of wind and snow over the next 3 days will maintain the current danger ratings.

Weather Forecast

Light amounts of precip amounting up to 10cm is expected over the next few days. Steady moderate west winds are expected throughout the same period at the 3000m level.

Snowpack Summary

In general, 10-30 cm sits over the very weak Dec.19th facets. However, slabs up to 60cm have been observed over this same layer at high elevations. The Nov crust is 30-80cm deep. While it is not currently producing avalanches, we expect it to do so with more snow load.

Avalanche Summary

Numerous size 1.5 avalanches were observed between Bow Summit and Lake Louise on peaks such as Observation and Crowfoot. These slides appeared to be 24-48 hours old.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Tuesday

Avalanche Problems

Persistent Slabs

Up to 30cm of recent new snow from last week sits on top of a layer of facets (Dec 19 layer). The interface between the new and old snow is poorly bonded, resulting in many recent avalanches.

The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3