Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Dec 18 – 19, 2018Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
3 · Considerable
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Highlights

Additional forecasted snow on an already over-loaded snowpack will keep the avalanche danger elevated. Conservative route choices are essential.

Avalanche problems

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely - Very Likely
    Size
    1–2.5
    Up to 50cm of recent snow with additional storm snow expected will have created storm slabs and wind slabs at all elevations. These slabs will be reactive to skier triggering. Ice climbers pay attention to overhead hazard.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1.5–3
    The mid and lower portions of the snowpack are weak and are now overloaded with critical levels of snow. We expect avalanches to step down to this deeper layer.

Weather Forecast

Two significant frontal systems are lined up to move inland over the next three days. 25-40 cm of additional new snow is expected along the divide by end of day on Thursday. This snow will be accompanied by moderate to strong SW winds. Freezing levels remain at valley bottom.

Snowpack Summary

40 - 60 cm of recent snow overrides a weak interface (Dec 10 layer) consisting of facets and surface hoar. Fresh windslabs can be expected on lee (north and east) aspects. The lower snowpack is weak and facetted. Any avalanches initiated in the storm snow have potential to step down to this lower layer.

Avalanche Summary

Numerous natural and skier (or explosive) triggered avalanches up to 2.5 have been reported over the past few days. Avalanches may run further down slope than expected, so be cautious of overhead hazard.

Confidence

Regions covered