Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Dec 19 – 20, 2014Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 12 years ago

Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

A rotten base underlying slabs and crusts indicates the need for continued caution. The snowpack is blown out and shallow; watch for rocks.

Avalanche problems

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3
    Natural avalanche activity has tapered off but snowpack tests show that the weak facets at the base of the snowpack continue to be a concern. With a stronger upper snowpack, triggering an avalanche is less likely but the consequences remain serious.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity was noted today.

Confidence

The weather pattern is stable

Weather Forecast

A moderate SW flow is expected to bring very light snow, cloudy conditions, and warmer temperatures to the forecast area. Valley bottoms may get above the freezing mark.

Snowpack Summary

Wind slabs and facets dominate the Alpine snowpack. At treeline a very Rockies mixture of suncrusts, windslabs, facets and raincrusts present constant challenges. The basal weaknesses at treeline and above are waiting for a new load. Below treeline a rain crust is present and the snowpack is solidly frozen in most areas.

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