Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 22nd, 2012 4:00PM

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

Parks Canada snow safety, Parks Canada

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Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Increased SW to SE winds Sunday with continued cool temperatures and some light snow in regions South of the Trans Canada Highway.  Winds will abate by Sunday night and we should see cold and clear conditions Monday.

Snowpack Summary

A field trip to Yoho  found soft wind slabs (4 finger) near ridge crests 20cm thick.  These were buried by 10cm of low density powder. Reports of stiffer wind slabs in wind exposed terrain. Low density powder in sheltered features. Thicker snowpack areas have mainly well settled midpack. The Nov.6 crust is mainly now a facet layer in thinner areas.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches observed or reported today. 

Confidence

Wind speed and direction is uncertain on Sunday

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Wind slabs 20-50cm thick in wind exposed areas from recent SW winds. These seem to be isolated to lees of terrain features and ridge crests.  Reports are finding these wind slabs to be sitting on a thin layer of facets formed in early Dec.
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Dec 23rd, 2012 4:00PM

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