Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 22nd, 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.

aaron beardmore, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

An incoming system on Tues night will elevate the danger rating on Weds.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Up to 20cm of new snow and high winds is expected Tuesday overnight. This will elevate the danger rating on Wednesday.

Snowpack Summary

5-10cm's of new snow along the divide has improved ski quality. This new snow has blown around by moderate SW winds to create thin, soft windslabs in the ALP and at TL. These windslabs sit on a surface hoar layer in many areas and will be one to watch in the future. The basal crusts/ facets persist providing a rotten foundation for this new snow.

Avalanche Summary

Cracking of new snow in immediate lees and soft slabs to size 1 reported in the Lake Louise area today.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Tuesday

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Natural avalanche activity has subsided but snowpack tests show that the weak facets at the basal level continue to be the big issue. The slab that rests on this weak structure may indicate some strength in places but in fact very little has changed.

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 23rd, 2014 4:00PM