Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Dec 4 – 5, 2013Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 13 years ago

Avalanche danger

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

Storm snow amounts in the forecast area were approximately 10-20 cm and  much less than those further east. Cold temperatures should help to stabilize this recent storm.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Reverse loading has also created new slabs on southerly aspects.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–3
    The October melt freeze crust and basal depth hoar are a concern and avalanches may step down to basal layers.

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    there is still a chance for significant sluffing with the new storm snow. Be aware of loading on S aspects with northerly winds.

Weather Forecast

Cold and clear with light north winds through till end of week at least.

Snowpack Summary

10-15 cm of Storm Snow has fallen over last 48 hrs. Strong Northerly winds caused some reverse loading and fresh wind slabs with the arrival of the Arctic front. Steep gullies and large open start zones at and above treeline should be treated as suspect until this storm snow settles. Cold temperatures should promote a stabilizing trend.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches have been observed.

Confidence

Due to the quality of field observations

Regions covered