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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 29th, 2018–Dec 30th, 2018
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
4: High
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be high
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

An avalanche cycle is expected from this weekend's storm. Avalanches are expected to be touchy for a while. Avoid avalanche terrain.

Weather Forecast

The storm should taper by Sunday but some residual avalanche activity is expected. Cooler incoming air is expected to squeeze the last humidity out of the air giving us light flurries on Sunday. Colder conditions on Monday.

Snowpack Summary

The majority of the BYK region is a 40-60cm slab of stiff snow or new windslab overlying 40cm of weak facets and depth hoar. This nasty combination continues to produce whumphing and easy test results. Deeper snowpack areas are stronger, but have a 60-80cm slab over top of the Dec10 surface hoar/facet layer.

Avalanche Summary

Several avalanches were noted on Friday but their extent and size was obscured.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

This problem dominates the central and eastern part of the forecast region and will continue to do so for some time. Natural activity on this layer has decreased but human triggered avalanches on this layer are still possible.
Be wary of slopes that did not previously avalanche.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1.5 - 3

Wind Slabs

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Very Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5