Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 9th, 2013 4:23PM

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

ian jackson, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Watch for fresh windslabs especially east of the divide where winds are stronger.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Warmer temperatures have arrived! Alpine temps will be generally -10/-15 with a warming trend towards Thurs. Tuesday will be overcast with light winds. A system moving through on Wed will bring M-S W/SW winds and trace to light precipitation. Thurs looks to be overcast with light winds.

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack is generally weak, facetted and shallow with little recent changes due to the cold temperatures. 50-70cm of snow exists at tree line which is just barely supportive on skis in most areas. Think light and don't turn too hard!

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity observed in the last several days.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Wednesday

Problems

Wind Slabs

Moderate west winds are creating small windslabs on lee aspects. Although there is not much snow to move around, this may be a problem for ice climbers in terrain traps or terrain above cliffs.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Dry

Facet avalanches are possible in steep terrain. Extra caution to ice climbers in steep gullied terrain where there is no cohesion in the snowpack.

Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1

Valid until: Dec 10th, 2013 4:00PM