Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Jan 4th, 2015 4:00PM

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

aaron beardmore, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Light snow accumulations expected over the next 48 hours. Danger rating will rise to considerable in the alpine. Remain vigilant when making terrain choices.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Up to 20cm in the next 48 hours at high elevations may just be enough new snow load to tip the scale and increase the avalanche danger to considerable (in the alpine). Expect temperatures to rise to approximately -10 with moderate NW wind as the system approaches the forecast region.

Snowpack Summary

80-120cm exists across the region. The main weakness is the basal facets and depth hoar. Compression test results were moderate in the Stanley Valley today. The Dec18 surface hoar is down ~20cm, but does not currently have enough snow load above it to be of concern. In the alpine, thin windslabs can be found in isolated, wind exposed areas.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed or reported today.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Monday

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

The overall structure of the snowpack remains weak and not confidence inspiring. Big features and steep terrain at treeline and above are still suspect and should be approached with caution.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Jan 5th, 2015 4:00PM