Avalog
Register
Get forecast notifications
Create an account to receive email notifications when forecasts are published.
Register
Login
Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 30th, 2014–Dec 31st, 2014
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
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
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

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

The cold snap is over with warming occurring today. Of note is the temperature inversion, and tomorrow's high of -5 at higher elevations should cause ice climbers to carefully consider their overhead hazard - it will be a hot afternoon in the sun.

Weather Forecast

The ridge of high pressure has one more day left in it, and Wednesday will be sunny with alpine temperatures reaching -5. Starting Thursday a system embedded in a NW flow will cross the area, but only light amounts of snow are expected. Trace for Thursday, then 4cm each day for Fri and Sat. Temps will be in the -5 to -10 range with light west wind.

Snowpack Summary

70-110 cm of snowpack exists across the region. The main weakness is at the base of the snowpack, where facets and depth hoar produce inconsistent test results 15 cm above the ground. Overall we believe the snowpack is gaining strength, but our confidence in this assessment is low. The Dec 18 layer of SH found further west is not prominent here.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed or reported today.

Confidence

Due to the number and quality of field observations

Avalanche Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

While the cold temperatures have stabilized the snowpack temporarily, it's overall structure remains weak. Travel under and beside avalanche paths is reasonable, but continue to avoid or be very careful when touching any avalanche start zones.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3