Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 3rd, 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.

snow safety, Parks Canada

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

Summary

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

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 4th, 2015 4:00PM