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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 29th, 2013–Dec 30th, 2013
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
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
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.

The snowpack is structurally weak, and avalanches can be triggered from random areas on steep slopes. Allow room in your decision making for this uncertainty by minimizing exposure to avalanche starting zones. Be patient, the snowpack will improve.

Weather Forecast

Systems embedded in a NW flow will continue to cross the region for the next few days.  Expect 5-10 cm of new snow on Monday, temperatures ranging from -5 to -10 and strong NW winds.

Snowpack Summary

At Bow Summit, 13 cm of recent storm snow is being blown into soft slabs at higher elevations where the wind is effecting the snow. The total snowpack depth is 73 cm and comprised mostly of facets and depth hoar. This is a structurally weak snowpack that needs time and more snow in order to gain strength.

Avalanche Summary

Small (size 1) soft slab avalanches were observed in the Sunshine Village area today. No larger avalanches were reported or observed.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Local avalanche forecasters are concerned about this problem, and are calling it a "lurking beast". Deep slabs that are hard to trigger, but the consequences getting caught are dire. Manage your risk by minimizing exposure to avalanche start zones.
Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Wind Slabs

This problem is mostly small surface slabs formed from recent new snow and strong winds. Above 2400 meters one should expect windslabs in most areas. Locate these windslabs by monitoring the density of the surface snow as you travel through terrain.
Avoid freshly wind loaded features.Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2