Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Dec 10 – 11, 2013Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Watch for fresh windslabs especially east of the divide where winds are stronger.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Moderate west winds are creating small windslabs on lee aspects. Although there is not much snow to move around, this may be a problem for ice climbers in terrain traps or terrain above cliffs.

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1
    Facet avalanches are possible in steep terrain. Extra caution to ice climbers in steep gullied terrain where there is no cohesion in the snowpack.

Weather Forecast

Warmer temperatures have arrived! Alpine temps will be generally -10/-15 with a warming trend towards Thurs. Tuesday will be overcast with light winds. A system moving through on Wed will bring M-S W/SW winds and trace to light precipitation. Thurs looks to be overcast with light winds.

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack is generally weak, facetted and shallow with little recent changes due to the cold temperatures. 50-70cm of snow exists at tree line which is just barely supportive on skis in most areas. Think light and don't turn too hard!

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity observed in the last several days.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Wednesday

Regions covered