Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 1st, 2012 4:00PM

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

Lisa Paulson, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Resist the lure of the fresh powdered slopes, explosive work today indicates the surface wind slabs are still touchy and digging down to deeper weaknesses. Control Planned for Mount Bourgeau tomorrow, please no outdoor activities in that area.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

Explosive work confirmed this layer is still touchy and propagating far, results to size 3 in the Vermillion and Bosworth paths. Slabs are up to 1.5 m deep.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Storm Slabs

The December 10 surface hoar (5-7 mm) is down approximately 70-115 cm. The distribution of this layer is spotty throughout our region (Whymper, Takakkaw Falls, Sunshine). The smaller of the 2 paths that affect the Healy trail went naturally size 3.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

Some areas are scoured but as the west winds pick up tomorrow and through the week, expect sporadic large naturals with continued wind loading. Surface windslabs can hold enough volume to trigger the deeper weakness.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Jan 2nd, 2012 4:00PM