Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 18th, 2015 4:00PM

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

Stephen Holeczi, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

We have not seen activity on the Dec 3rd surface hoar layer below treeline of late, and are waiting for more snow to make this prominent layer active. Dig down to see if its there and the slab properties above. SH

Summary

Weather Forecast

Expect a few cm each day for the next few days with light to moderate West winds. Temperatures Saturday will cool slightly in the -8 to -10 range and will be mainly cloudy through the forecast period.

Snowpack Summary

In sheltered terrain between 1700 and 2150m, 30-40 cm of facetted snow sits over the December 3rd surface hoar. Inconsistent shears are being found on this interface. No other significant shears have been observed in the snowpack. There is approximately 1 meter of snow at treeline,

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed in the last few days.

Confidence

Due to the number and quality of field observations

Problems

Persistent Slabs

A 30-40cm soft slab sits over the Dec 3rd surface hoar between 1700 and 2150m. This slab has facetted out in many areas, but be cautious on steep (40+degree) slopes where previous winds may have formed isolated denser slabs above.

Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 19th, 2015 4:00PM