Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 16th, 2011 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Deep Persistent Slabs and Wind Slabs.

chris gooliaff, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

We may receive 10-20cm of snow with the incoming storm Friday night and Saturday. Coupled with strong westerly winds in the alpine, it may not be the weekend for travelling up high if the larger amount of snow falls!

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

In many areas the hard wind slab on wind loaded features is bridging the weak facets and depth hoar at the base. There is still a possibility of human triggering a large full depth avalanche on any steep slope.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Wind Slabs

There are a few fresh thin wind slabs on immediate lee features in the alpine that can be easily triggered. If we receive the 10-20cm of snow and strong winds that are in the models, the surface slabs will be bigger and pack more consequence.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 17th, 2011 4:00PM