Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 18th, 2014 4:00PM

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

snow safety, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

A rotten base underlying slabs and crusts indicates the need for continued caution. The snowpack is blown out and shallow; watch for rocks.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A moderate SW flow is expected to bring very light snow, cloudy conditions, and warmer temperatures to the forecast area. Valley bottoms may get above the freezing mark.

Snowpack Summary

Wind slabs and facets dominate the Alpine snowpack. At treeline a very Rockies mixture of suncrusts, windslabs, facets and raincrusts present constant challenges. The basal weaknesses at treeline and above are waiting for a new load. Below treeline a rain crust is present and the snowpack is solidly frozen in most areas.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity was noted today.

Confidence

The weather pattern is stable

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Natural avalanche activity has tapered off but snowpack tests show that the weak facets at the base of the snowpack continue to be a concern. With a stronger upper snowpack, triggering an avalanche is less likely but the consequences remain serious.

Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 19th, 2014 4:00PM