Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Dec 7 – 8, 2012Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Wind effect starts above 2400m. Good ski quality reported on sheltered slopes. SH

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2
    Natural activity has tapered off, but expect to find windslabs in steep, exposed terrain which climbers and skiers should avoid.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3
    Less activity on the widespread Nov.6 crust of late, but explosives produced an avalanche today which failed on this layer above the Sunshine Road. This shows that larger loads are likely required, but if triggered, will cause bigger avalanches.

Weather Forecast

Only a few cm of snow Friday, with light alpine NW winds and valley bottom freezing levels.  The weekend looks much the same until Sunday when winds may jump into the strong range again.

Snowpack Summary

Strong SW winds from Tues/Wed. produced wind slabs in exposed alp. and treeline locations. Sunshine backcountry has received approx. 60cm since Dec.1 with lesser amounts in the Lake Louise area. The Nov.6 crust is approximately 20cm above the ground up to approx. 2600m.  Forecasters on Ferris Glacier (Crowfoot Peak) found 130-180cm on the ice.

Avalanche Summary

Explosive control on Sunshine Road only produced 1 sz.2.5 on Mount Bourgeau (NE asp, 2500m)  (photo) (francais) which stepped to the Nov 6 crust and was approx.1m deep. Forecasters on Crowfoot peak saw 1 sz.3 & 1 sz.2  on high NE facing terrain on Vulture Peak which in spots stepped to glacial ice within the last 48-72 hrs.

Confidence

Due to the number and quality of field observations

Regions covered