Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 7th, 2012–Dec 8th, 2012

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

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

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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

The recent storm snow has helped create very good conditions. Some hidden hazards remain. JBW

Weather Forecast

A short lived ridge on Saturday will be followed by a weak system Sunday. In the wake of Sunday's storm, the Arctic Front will descend southwards bringing colder temperatures

Snowpack Summary

Some wind slabs in open areas at and above treeline. Lower snowpack is well settled with some shears that are producing moderate resistant planar results. Major concerns are stubborn to touchy windslabs on north and east aspects with avalanche potential to size 2 and deep persistent slabs stubborn, isolated to size three failing on November crust.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches in the past 24 hrs. Storm related avalanches from the last week to size two in wind effected areas. Explosive control to size 3 stepping down to Nov. Crust.

Confidence

Wind speed and direction is uncertain on Sunday

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Soft to hard wind slabs can be found on lee and cross loaded slopes at and above treeline. Triggering is still possible on the right slope.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.Avoid steep lee and cross-loaded features

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

Isolated deep slabs have been noted every few days over the last month. Some of these have been explosive triggered and some natural, all failing near the ground on Nov 6 rain crust or glacial ice. There is still a concern for human triggering.

Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.Choose well supported terrain without convexities.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3