Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 15th, 2015 4:00PM

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

Brian Webster, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Pay attention to the potential for surface hoar below 2150 meters. This layer is producing easy to moderate shears down 30-40 cm.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A ridge of high pressure dominates the area through Friday. Expect to see clearing skies, light north-west winds and cool temperatures. No inputs to significantly change the danger rating or ski conditions are expected.

Snowpack Summary

In sheltered terrain between 1700 and 2150m, 30-40 cm of recent HST sits over the December 3rd surface hoar. Easy to moderate shears found on this interface. No other significant shears have been observed in the snowpack. In the alpine isolated wind slabs exist in immediate lee areas.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed.

Confidence

The weather pattern is stable

Problems

Persistent Slabs

A 30-40cm soft slab sits over the Dec 3 surface hoar in an elevation band between 1700 and 2150m. Continue to treat all steep open slopes below treeline with suspicion until you can rule out this weak layer.

Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.Avoid open slopes and convex rolls at and below treeline where buried surface hoar may be preserved.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 16th, 2015 4:00PM