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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 30th, 2013–Dec 31st, 2013
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Good skiing can be found in sheltered areas but the overall weak nature of the snowpack requires that conservative route choices be made.

Weather Forecast

Snow will taper of on Monday night with just light flurries for Tuesday and Wednesday.  Up to 10cm forecasted for Thursday. Treeline temperatures will be around -8

Snowpack Summary

At treeline the snowpack is roughly 1 metre deep. The midpack is supportive on skis but is comprised mostly of weak facets. East of the divide there is 10-20 cm of recent storm snow and west of the divide there is up to 35 cm of fresh snow. Continued mod to strong winds have created hard and soft slabs in the alpine.

Avalanche Summary

One natural up to Class 2 observed on Mt. Dennis above the Field Ice Climbs. Several loose snow avalanches out of steep terrain in the recent storm snow observed in Emerald lake area

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Up to 35 cm settled storm snow in past three days found at tree line west of the divide and 10-20 cm east of the divide. Continued westerly winds have created hard and soft wind slabs at treeline and alpine elevations.
Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.Avoid freshly wind loaded features.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

The midpack and basal pack is mostly weak facets and depth hoar. The potential for a full depth avalanche continues to exist if the sweet spot is triggered.
Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 3