Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 30th, 2016–Dec 31st, 2016

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

We still believe that it is easy to trigger avalanches in the alpine and at treeline. Choose your route carefully and be aware that conditions will change across a slope.

Weather Forecast

Light flurries forecasted saturday with a downward trend in temperatures starting saturday evening as another arctic flow arrives. Were expecting clear sky's and temperatures of -15 to -25 over the next few days.

Snowpack Summary

We have received 30-60 cm of new snow and strong winds this past week. This new snow sits over the Dec facet interface which continues to be touchy. Above tree line windslabs have develop creating another reactive interface near the surface of the snowpack. Avalanches triggered in the upper snowpack are likely to step down to deeper layers.

Avalanche Summary

Little avalanche activity was observed today. Lake Louise ski resort reported some natural activity releasing from recently developed windslabs in the alpine to sz 1.5.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Persistent Slabs

60cm of new snow from the past week sit on top of a weak layer of facets (Dec 19 layer). This interface is poorly bonded, resulting in many recent avalanches. This weak, faceted layer will persist for some time.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Wind Slabs

Thick wind slabs have formed in the lees of alpine features. These will be touchy in the short term with the current snow and wind forecast. Once initiated, they may trigger a persistent slab on the Dec.19th facets.

If triggered the storm/wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2