Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 11th, 2015 4:00PM

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

aaron beardmore, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

The period of uncertainty continues as touchy conditions persist. Be judicious when making terrain choices.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A benign weather pattern is settling into the forecast region. Mild temperatures, light wind and zero snow accumulations are expected over the next 3 days. As such, the danger rating will not change.

Snowpack Summary

Wind slabs are present in many open areas above tree line. Below this, the snow pack is quite weak and facetted in most places. The Dec 18 crust/facet interface is down 30-40cm at tree line. Backcountry users are experiencing widespread of whumphing on this layer. The bottom half of the snow pack consists of facets and depth hoar.

Avalanche Summary

No avalanches observed or reported today. However, conditions are still touchy.

Confidence

The weather pattern is stable on Monday

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Perpetual whumphing of the Dec 18th layer consisting of facets/crust exists. Skier triggered surface slabs have the potential to step down to the Dec18th layer.

Caution in lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

In many areas of the forecast region there is potential for avalanches to step down to the basal facets. Wide propagations and large destructive avalanches are possible.

Use conservative route selection, choose moderate angled and supported terrain with low consequence.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Jan 12th, 2015 4:00PM