Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 17th, 2011 4:00PM

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

lisa paulson, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Always the bridesmaid never the bride...no new snow in our forecast region in the last 24 hours, skiers can hope for something tonight while ice climbers continue to enjoy easy travel. Big sluffs off cliffs observed with the strong winds today.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Sunday

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

In many areas the hard wind slab on wind loaded features is bridging the weak facets and depth hoar at the base. There is still a possibility of human triggering a large full depth avalanche on any steep slope.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Wind Slabs

Again the weather models are predicting 10-20 cm new snow West of the Divide and in the Northern part of our forecast region. This snow comes with strong west winds as a cold front pushes south overnight. Expect to find new slabs on lee feautres.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 18th, 2011 4:00PM