Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 1st, 2015 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.

brian webster, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

We are starting to see some tracks in steeper terrain, however our confidence in the strength of the snowpack is low given it's weak basal structure and inconsistent field test results.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A weak system will push in from the west overnight bringing isolated flurries east of the divide through to Saturday. Forecasted winds are light to moderate from the west. Temperatures will cool down significantly on Saturday afternoon.

Snowpack Summary

70-110 cm of snowpack exists across the region. The main weakness is at the base of the snowpack, where facets and depth hoar produce inconsistent test results 15 cm above the ground. Overall we believe the snowpack is gaining strength, but our confidence in this assessment is low. The Dec 18 layer of SH found further west is not prominent here.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed or reported today.

Confidence

Timing of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Friday

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

The overall structure of the snowpack remains weak and not very confidence inspiring. Big features and steep terrain at treeline and above are still suspect and should be approached with caution.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Jan 2nd, 2015 4:00PM