Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 14th, 2012 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 Deep Persistent Slabs.

chris gooliaff, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Good skiing can be found in sheltered locations below 2500m. Just remember, the snowpack thins out below 1750m. Rocks, stumps, and buried hazards are still lurking near the surface.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A minor blip in the current trend will bring moderate to strong SW winds tomorrow, with possible afternoon/evening flurries amounting to 1-3cm. Temperatures will remain at seasonal values in the alpine (-10 to -14). Winds should die down to moderate on Sunday with little in the way of precipitation.

Snowpack Summary

Variable surface wind slabs have been found in immediate lee ridge features, as well as open terrain above 2800m. In sheltered locations, very good skiing can be found from 2500m to as low as 1750m. Lower than that and things get a bit thin . A well-settled mid-pack sits atop the Nov 6 rain crust, which is starting to break down in some locations.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported today and very little activity in the past week.

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

The wind slabs from earlier this week seem to be isolated to ridge lee features and high, open alpine terrain. There has not been much activity in these slabs, except for isolated wind events at ridge-top.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.The best powder will be found in sheltered locations at or below treeline.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

The Nov 6 rain crust has yet to wake up. If the load on this layer increases, it may become reactive, producing large avalanches. Smaller avalanches may step down to this deeper layer.

Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Dec 15th, 2012 4:00PM