Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Dec 15 – 16, 2015Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

Excellent ski conditions out there right now! Forecasters still have some uncertainty in the danger rating due to the spatial variability of the Dec. 3rd surface hoar layer. This is an unusual situation where the danger is highest below treeline

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Small windslabs formed with the last storm and are slowly settling out. These were reactive with explosive triggers in the Sunshine area on Monday,

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2
    A 30-40cm soft slab sits over the Dec 3 surface hoar in an elevation band between 1700 and 2150m. Continue to treat all steep open slopes below treeline with suspicion until you can rule out this weak layer.

Weather Forecast

We are under the influence of a ridge of high pressure for the next few days. Expect to see clearing skies through the week, minimal snow and light NW winds. Temperatures will remain cool in the -10 to -20 range. No inputs to significantly change the danger rating or ski conditions are expected.

Snowpack Summary

In sheltered terrain between 1700 and 2150m, a 30-40 cm soft slab sits over the December 3rd surface hoar. This layer continues to produce whumphs and easy shears in many locations, especially in areas to the West with more snow. No other significant shears have been observed. In the alpine isolated wind slabs exist in immediate lee areas.

Avalanche Summary

Sunshine ski area avalanche control team reported triggering small soft windslabs in steep alpine terrain with explosives today. Otherwise no new avalanches observed.

Confidence

Regions covered