Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 14th, 2015–Dec 15th, 2015

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Alpine

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Alpine

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Excellent ski conditions out there right now! Forecasters still have some uncertainty in the danger rating due to the spatial variability of the Dec. 3rd surface hoar layer. This is an unusual situation where the danger is highest below treeline

Weather Forecast

We are under the influence of a ridge of high pressure for the next few days. Expect to see clearing skies through the week, minimal snow and light NW winds. Temperatures will remain cool in the -10 to -20 range. No inputs to significantly change the danger rating or ski conditions are expected.

Snowpack Summary

In sheltered terrain between 1700 and 2150m, a 30-40 cm soft slab sits over the December 3rd surface hoar. This layer continues to produce whumphs and easy shears in many locations, especially in areas to the West with more snow. No other significant shears have been observed. In the alpine isolated wind slabs exist in immediate lee areas.

Avalanche Summary

Sunshine ski area avalanche control team reported triggering small soft windslabs in steep alpine terrain with explosives today. Otherwise no new avalanches observed.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Persistent Slabs

A 30-40cm soft slab sits over the Dec 3 surface hoar in an elevation band between 1700 and 2150m. Continue to treat all steep open slopes below treeline with suspicion until you can rule out this weak layer.

Avoid open slopes and convex rolls at and below treeline where buried surface hoar may be preserved.Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Wind Slabs

Small windslabs formed with the last storm and are slowly settling out. These were reactive with explosive triggers in the Sunshine area on Monday,

Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2