Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 25th, 2014 4:00PM
The alpine rating is Storm Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems includeThe skiing has improved dramatically due to the recent snow, however there is a poor bond at the storm snow interface which will persist for some time. Avoid larger features, and steeper terrain. There is lots of good riding on low angled terrain.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Light snow flurries with sunny breaks, light W to NW winds, and temperatures between -5 and -15'C are forecast for the next several days.
Snowpack Summary
At tree line 10 - 30 cm of snow has fallen since Dec 23, with the heaviest snowfall occurring in Yoho Park. This new snow overlies the Dec 18 layer which consists of crust, facets and/or surface hoar depending on the location. A poor bond exists at this interface. At the base of the snowpack weak crusts and facets exist which are still a concern.
Avalanche Summary
Several avalanches up to Class 2.5 (with propagations up to 200 m) were observed running in the recent storm snow in Yoho Park on Dec 24th. Lake Louise ski hill also reported several natural and skier controlled avalanches up to size 2.5 within the past 48hrs, running in the new storm snow and occasionally stepping down to the basal facets/crusts.
Confidence
Problems
Storm Slabs
15 to 30cm's of recent storm snow is bonding poorly to previous surfaces and remains reactive to skier triggering.
- Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.
- The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
A weak and facetted basal layer exists at the bottom of the snowpack. Smaller storm snow avalanches may step down to this weak facetted layer.
- Use careful route-finding and stick to moderate slope angles with low consequences
- Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 26th, 2014 4:00PM