Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Dec 30 – 31, 2011Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
4 · High
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Another storm on Friday should deliver 15-20cm of snow, along with strong SW winds. Numerous natural avalanches were observed today in the alpine, including a large size 3 over the ice climb Bourgeau Left. These will continue with additional snow.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–3
    In most areas, storm snow amounts are now about 30 to 50 cm. SW winds have created soft slabs up to 60 cm deep. These are touchy and are running long distances. Avalanche control on Mt Whymper produced avalanches to size 3 running to valley-bottom.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Distribution of this layer is spotty but mostly on the west side of the Divide.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3
    This layer seems to be activating with the additional load. Avalanche control on the Lake Louise Ski Hill saw slabs stepping down into the facets in shallow, rocky areas. A large windslab release has the potential to step down into these facets.

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Regions covered