Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 25th, 2011 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.

Snow Safety, Parks Canada

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

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

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

Valid until: Dec 26th, 2011 4:00PM