Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 25th, 2011–Dec 26th, 2011

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

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

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

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.

Up to 20cm in the alpine possible by Boxing Day morning. Good for skiers, bad for climbers. A break from the snow Monday may tempt users to explore the big, steep places, but now is not the time. The consequences of causing a slide would be large. SH

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Boxing day will see increased westerly winds up high, which form soft wind slabs in exposed areas, and near ridge tops. These will be easy for a climber or skier to trigger in steep terrain, and could step down to the deeper, weaker basal layer.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

These are becoming harder to trigger, but light loads can still cause avalanches on the basal depth hoar/October rain crust. The most sensitive trigger points are thin or crossloaded slopes. Stick to moderate angled areas with a thicker snowpack.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3