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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 29th, 2023–Dec 30th, 2023

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Banff Yoho Kootenay, Little Yoho, Banff, East Side 93N, Kootenay, Lake Louise, LLSA, Sunshine, West Side 93N, Field.

Our main concern remains the base of our snowpack, which is weak and unconsolidated.

Be wary of large alpine or tree line features that have been wind loaded and thick to thin areas. This basal layer is still very triggerable.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Wednesday a group near Helen Shoulder remote triggered (from 30 m) a size 2 two avalanche on a south aspect at 2450m. The avalanche failed on the deep persistent layer near the ground.

Ski hills have also reported some windslab activity, up to size 1 both naturally and with explosives.

Snowpack Summary

Wind effect, scouring and isolated hard wind slabs can be found in the alpine and some locations at treeline. Surface hoar is growing in sheltered areas below treeline. The mid-pack contains a rain-crust (below 2300m) in most areas and is somewhat settled and (mostly) supportive to skiers and boarders.

The base of the snowpack is a mix of weak facets and depth hoar.

Treeline snow depths range from 60-100 cm.

Weather Summary

Mainly sunny conditions will continue as southwest winds remain moderate and temps mild, with a tree line high of -4 C . We may also see an above freezing layer develop on Saturday. This AFL will be based around 2200 m, topping out near 2700 m with a max. temperature around +1 C. These conditions should persist through most of Saturday, into early Sunday morning.     

For more information, click Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avalanche hazard may have improved, but be mindful that deep instabilities are still present.
  • Early season avalanches at any elevation have the potential to be particularly dangerous due to obstacles that are exposed or just below the surface.

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Deep Persistent Slab avalanches are the release of a thick cohesive layer of hard snow (a slab), when the bond breaks between the slab and an underlying persistent weak layer deep in the snowpack. The most common persistent weak layers involved in deep, persistent slabs are depth hoar or facets surrounding a deeply buried crust. Deep Persistent Slabs are typically hard to trigger, are very destructive and dangerous due to the large mass of snow involved, and can persist for months once developed. They are often triggered from areas where the snow is shallow and weak, and are particularly difficult to forecast for and manage.

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.