Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 14th, 2011 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 and Wind Slabs.

Brad White, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

There is little change right now except some small fresh new wind slabs. The storm forecast for Friday/Saturday looks like it may ride over the ridge and not produce much for us but the models are not in agreement yet.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Track of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Friday

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

In many areas the hard wind slab on wind loaded features is bridging the weak facets and depth hoar at the base. There is still a possibility of human triggering a large full depth avalanche on any steep slope.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Wind Slabs

Wind transport has been forming thin hard slabs on lee features at ridge tops. These may be easily triggered on the right feature.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 15th, 2011 4:00PM