Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Jan 3rd, 2015–Jan 4th, 2015

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

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.

Ski quality is sub par. Forecasters still have lowered confidence in steep terrain at higher elevations, where triggering the basal weakness is a very real possibility. SH

Weather Forecast

Light NW winds, a trace of snow and lows in the -20's for Sunday. 5-10cm of snow with mod-strong alpine winds are forecast for Monday accompanied by a warming trend.

Snowpack Summary

80-120cm exists across the region.The main weakness is the basal facets and depth hoar which has been producing inconsistent test results. The Dec18 layer of surface hoar is down an average 20cm, but does not currently have enough snow load above it to be a serious concern. In the alpine, thin windslabs can be found in isolated, wind exposed areas.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed or reported today.

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Monday

Avalanche 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