Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 6th, 2016 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Dry.

William Lawson, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Two size 2.5 avalanches released on the november crust in the lake louise area today. One was skier trigger, no involvement.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Clear skies, light wind and very cold temperatures are forecasted for the next three days.

Snowpack Summary

20-30cm of recent storm snow from the weekend with only isolated areas of wind slab development, primarily at ridge crests in the alpine. The November crust is down 30-70cm with recent observations showing faceting above and below. The faceting process is in progress and will soon affect the entire snowpack due to current cold temperatures.

Avalanche Summary

Two size 2.5 avalanches reported today in the Lake Louise area, one was skier triggered. Both avalanches released on the november crust. Observer natural isolated avalanche activity to size1.5, thin slab releases out of steep alpine lees as the recent storm snow failed on old faceted surface.

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

Surprisingly very little wind slab formation. Areas to watch for are the immediate lee near ridge top.

Keep an eye out for reverse loading created by an upslope storm.Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Dry

Lots of loose storm snow available to release out of steep gully's and head walls. The slightest winds can trigger this problem.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 1

Valid until: Dec 7th, 2016 4:00PM