Avalog
Register
Get forecast notifications
Create an account to receive email notifications when forecasts are published.
Register
Login
Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 30th, 2012–Dec 31st, 2012
Alpine
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Stability is generally good; however, the cold temps are taking their toll in thin snowpack areas. Watch for loose dry avalanches in areas that are completely facetted along with cornice failures on alpine slopes.

Weather Forecast

A blocking ridge of high pressure will bring sunny skies, cold nights and light northerly winds through the forecast period. Conditions are prime for daytime inversions which means it will be warmer in the alpine than in the valley bottom, although alpine temperatures shouldn't approach zero degrees celsius.

Snowpack Summary

20-40cm thick wind slabs exist in high alpine features and are stubborn to unreactive from field reports.  W of the divide, a well settled snowpack exists in deeper locations with the basal Nov 6 crust well bonded.  In the front ranges E of the divide, a mainly facetted snowpack exists with the Nov 6 basal crust being mainly facetted. 

Avalanche Summary

Lake Louise ski area reported a small, skier triggered avalanche in a steep, thin treeline area today.  This was a loose dry avalanche in an area with a completely facetted snowpack. In a deeper snowpack area, a large cornice failure was reported above the Bourgeau LH ice climb, but did not trigger a slab.

Confidence

The weather pattern is stable

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Reports are showing windslabs created in the last week are stubborn to unreactive on lee ridgetop features. Most likely triggerable in aggressive, steep, lee terrain near ridgetops.
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Loose Dry

This problem exists mainly in thin snowpack areas E of the divide where the snowpack has completely facetted and lost all cohesion. Watch for sloughing in steep terrain where the snow is unsupportive.
Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.Carefully evaluate and use caution around thin snowpack areas.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Cornices

The cold temperatures are facetting out cornices and large cornice failures have been observed. Although the cornice failures have not been triggering slabs on the slopes below, the cornice chunks themselves would definitely hurt if they hit you
Give cornices a wide berth when travelling on or below ridges.Extra caution needed around cornices with current conditions.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2