Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 11th, 2012 4:00PM

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

chris gooliaff, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Light winds, no snow, and slightly lower temperatures will not change the hazard rating over the next day or two.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Temperatures are forecasted to lower slightly over the next few days, but remain at or slightly above seasonal norms. Winds will be light from the W/NW. Snowfall amounts may be trace along the Divide, with patchy cloud further to the east.

Snowpack Summary

Wind slabs of varying thickness have been developing due to moderate / strong winds. With the moderate temperatures, these wind slabs are settling over top of a well settled mid pack and the Nov 6 rain crust.

Avalanche Summary

No new observations reported.

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

Strong winds from the NW have created wind slabs in the alpine. These wind slabs vary in thickness between 15 and 30cm. With the continued mild temperatures, they have been bonding reasonably well and are more stubborn to trigger.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Be aware of the potential for wide propagations due to the presence of hard windslabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

The Nov 6th crust should still be in the back of your mind. Recent avalanches on this layer combined with uncertain means of triggering make venturing out onto big open slopes a committing choice.

Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Dec 12th, 2012 4:00PM