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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 26th, 2018–Dec 27th, 2018
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
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
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

The snowpack is slowly starting to stabilize however forecasters confidence is low. Remember that human triggered avalanches are still possible with a Moderate danger rating. It is still a good idea to avoid bigger features and convex terrain.

Weather Forecast

Thursday will bring a mix of sun and cloud with day time highs (at treeline) of -5 to -8. Winds forecasted to be light and there is no snow in the forecast through Friday. More snow and stronger winds are expected on Saturday.

Snowpack Summary

In deeper snowpack areas there is 60-80 cm of settled snow over top of the Dec10 surface hoar/facet layer. Shears on this layer are generally producing hard but sudden planar results. In shallow areas the main concern is the weak basal facets which continue to produce whumphing and easy test results. Extra caution is warranted in shallow areas.

Avalanche Summary

One fresh natural avalanche observed on Observation Pk. Ski hills reported no new natural activity and only minimal results with explosives.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

This problem dominates the central and eastern part of the forecast region and will continue to do so for some time. Natural activity on this layer has decreased but human triggered avalanches on this layer are still possible.
Be wary of large slopes that did not previously avalanche.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1.5 - 3

Persistent Slabs

This problem is the Dec 10 surface hoar/facet layer which is down 40-80 cm along the Divide. Although this layer is stabilizing, there is still uncertainty with this interface. Evaluate this layer carefully prior to committing to bigger slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2.5