Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 3rd, 2013 4:07PM

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

Avalanche Canada banff snow safety, Avalanche Canada

Storm snow amounts in the forecast area were approximately 10-20 cm and  much less than those further east. Cold temperatures should help to stabilize this recent storm.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Cold and clear with light north winds through till end of week at least.

Snowpack Summary

10-15 cm of Storm Snow has fallen over last 48 hrs. Strong Northerly winds caused some reverse loading and fresh wind slabs with the arrival of the Arctic front. Steep gullies and large open start zones at and above treeline should be treated as suspect until this storm snow settles. Cold temperatures should promote a stabilizing trend.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been observed.

Confidence

Due to the quality of field observations

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Reverse loading has also created new slabs on southerly aspects.

  • The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.
  • Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs

The October melt freeze crust and basal depth hoar are a concern and avalanches may step down to basal layers.

  • Conditions are greatly improved, but be mindful that deep instabilities are still present.
  • Resist venturing out into complex terrain, even if you observe no obvious signs of unstable snow.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Dry

An icon showing Loose Dry

there is still a chance for significant sluffing with the new storm snow. Be aware of loading on S aspects with northerly winds.

  • Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 4th, 2013 4:00PM