Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 24th, 2014 4:49PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
brian webster,
Avalanche Canada
The new snow has improved conditions dramatically, however there is a poor bond at the storm snow interface. Avoid larger features and steeper terrain. There is lots of good riding on low angled terrain.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Christmas day will be cloudy with isolated flurries and an alpine temperature high of minus nine. Friday's forecast is for mixed sun and cloud, and light winds. Only flurries forecasted for the weekend.
Snowpack Summary
At treeline between 20 and 40 cm of snow has fallen since Tues, in Yoho Park. The new snow overlays the Dec 18 layer which consists of crust, facets and/or surface hoar depending on location. A poor bond exists on this storm snow interface.
Avalanche Summary
In Yoho backcountry several avalanches up to Class 2.5 (with propagations up to 200 m) were observed running in recent storm snow. Lake Louise ski hill reported several natural and skier controlled avalanches running in the storm snow.
Confidence
Problems
Storm Slabs
Twenty to forty cms of recent storm snow is bonding poorly to previous surfaces and is reactive to skier triggering.
- The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.
- Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, and shooting cracks.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
A weak and facetted basal layer exists at the bottom of the snowpack. Smaller avalanches may step down to this weak facetted layer.
- Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 25th, 2014 4:00PM
