Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 29th, 2014 4:00PM

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

Lisa Paulson, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Good skiing/boarding can be found on sheltered NE aspects at treeline and above. Continue to avoid steep or convex terrain especially if there are terrain traps below, and enjoy the good skiing on lower angled well supported slopes.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A cold (-22C) night tonight with warm air pushing into the region Tuesday creating an alpine inversion with warmer temperatures up high.Â For the next few days expect a mix of sun and cloud, light west winds, and highs of -7C.

Snowpack Summary

Recent winds have created small wind slabs in the alpine which sit over the Dec 18 layer of crust, facets and/or surface hoar depending on the location. A poor bond exists at this interface. At the base of the snowpack weak crusts and facets exist which are also a concern.

Avalanche Summary

A skier triggered size 1.5-2 avalanche was reported last Sunday in the Wizard Chutes near Healy Creek at approximately 1900m. It started as a small wind slab near tree line and then stepped down to the basal facets. Other small skier and explosive triggered wind slabs have been reported by the local ski areas prior to the cold snap.

Confidence

The weather pattern is stable

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

A weak and facetted basal layer exists at the bottom of the snowpack. It is still possible to trigger in specific areas above treeline. Areas with more wind loading or a stiffer slab above the weak basal facets are of the greatest concern.

Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.Use careful route-finding and stick to moderate slope angles with low consequences

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Dec 30th, 2014 4:00PM