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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 30th, 2023–Dec 31st, 2023

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Banff Yoho Kootenay, Little Yoho, Banff, East Side 93N, Kootenay, Lake Louise, LLSA, Sunshine, West Side 93N, Field.

Our primary concern is the weak and unconsolidated base of the snowpack. Be cautious around large alpine or tree line features, as this basal layer remains possible to trigger.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Wednesday, a group near Helen Shoulder remote triggered (from 30 m) a size 2 avalanche on the deep persistent layer.

No avalanches were observed or reported on Saturday.

Snowpack Summary

In the alpine and some locations at treeline, there is wind effect and isolated hard wind slabs. Surface hoar is growing in sheltered areas below treeline, and the surface snow in the alpine has consolidated due to inverted temperatures. The mid-pack contains a rain crust (below 2300m) in most areas, which somewhat supports skier and boarder weight. The base of the snowpack consists of a mix of weak facets and depth hoar. Treeline snow depths range from 60-100 cm.

Weather Summary

On Sunday, the mild alpine temperatures will drop throughout the day to -10C with light West winds. Expect a few flurries East of the divide and up to 5cm West of the divide.

Benign weather is expected for Monday with no snow and light winds.

For more information, click Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Uncertainty is best managed through conservative terrain choices at this time.

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Deep Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a thick cohesive layer of hard snow (a slab), when the bond breaks between the slab and an underlying persistent weak layer deep in the snowpack. The most common persistent weak layers involved in deep, persistent slabs are depth hoar or facets surrounding a deeply buried crust. Deep Persistent Slabs are typically hard to trigger, are very destructive and dangerous due to the large mass of snow involved, and can persist for months once developed. They are often triggered from areas where the snow is shallow and weak, and are particularly difficult to forecast for and manage.