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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 27th, 2013–Dec 28th, 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.

Conditions are extremely variable from west to east. The Yoho side of the forecast region has 15 cm of recent powder snow on the surface, while the Lake Louise side of the region is a windswept barren. Tonight's cold front should deposit 5-15 cm.

Weather Forecast

The passing cold front tonight will bring 5-15cm of snow accompanied by NW winds and cooling temperatures.  Saturday and Sunday will bring flurries with continued moderate NW winds and moderate temperatures.

Snowpack Summary

10-15cm of recent snow has fallen west of the divide.  This sits on a supportive but weak mid-pack over weak basal facets.  On the East side of the divide strong West winds have stripped all windward slopes. Lee and cross loaded gullies have a mix of hard and soft wind slabs over a weak shallow base.

Avalanche Summary

A size 2 explosive triggered avalanche on a NE alpine feature at Lake Louise slide on the ground. A few natural loose snow avalanches up to size 2 out of very steep rocky alpine terrain were also observed in the Emerald Lake area.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

At this time all steep slopes have the potential to step down to the basal facets and result in large avalanches. The snow depth is quite variable across the forecast region, and triggering is most likely in shallow areas. Avoid starting zones.
Choose well supported terrain without convexities.Avoid steep, open slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Wind Slabs

Thin windslabs 15-20 cm deep are possible from leeward areas that will become loaded with the overnight snowfall that is forecast. Test on adjacent terrain features to check how much windslab has formed overnight.
Use caution in lee areas in the alpine. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.Avoid convexities or areas with a thin or variable snowpack.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2