Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Dec 24 – 25, 2014Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 12 years ago

Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Watch for new windslabs in open lee areas. Increased load on the deep persistent instability may result in a full depth avalanche.

Avalanche problems

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3
    New snow and high winds will increase the hazard in open lee areas.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3
    Natural avalanche activity has subsided but snowpack tests show that the weak facets at the basal level continue to be the big issue. The slab that rests on this weak structure may indicate some strength in places but in fact very little has changed.

Weather Forecast

10 to 15 cm of snow and strong winds are forecast for the area. This should raise the avalanche danger rating in the short term.

Snowpack Summary

In the alpine and at treeline, increasing snowfall and steady winds will create new windslab in open areas. At the bottom of the snowpack large facets with disintegrating raincrust provides a base that is prone to collapse. Below treeline, a solid shallow snowpack will take a while to bond to new snow.

Avalanche Summary

No natural avalanche activity was noted.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Regions covered