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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 10th, 2023–Dec 11th, 2023
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
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
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Banff, Banff Yoho Kootenay, East Side 93N, Field, Kootenay, LLSA, Lake Louise, Little Yoho, Sunshine, West Side 93N.

The natural avalanche cycle is mostly over but human triggered avalanches are still likely. Continue to practice conservative decision making.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

On Saturday a size 2 skier triggered avalanche failed as a deep persistent slab at treeline and ran 600m scrubbing to ground. One skier was caught and sustained injuries that required an overnight rescue.

On Sunday the ski hills reported explosives controlled avalanches up to size 1.5 on NE aspects mostly failing as windslabs with one stepping down to the deep persistent layer.

Snowpack Summary

Last week's storm snow has settled to 40-60cm over the Dec 2 weak layer which consists of the basal facets and surface hoar. A rain crust (1 to 7cm thick) exists within the storm snow up to 2300m on all aspects. The thickness of the rain crust tapers with increasing elevation.

Weather Summary

Mainly clear skies expected on Monday as high pressure continues to dominate. Expect light to moderate W ridgetop winds and a possible temperature inversion with alpine temps ranging from -8°C to -12°C.

Tuesday will be much the same with slightly stronger SW winds.

For more information, click Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.
  • Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain, avalanches may run surprisingly far.

Avalanche Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Surface windslab avalanches have the potential to step down to the basal facets resulting in large, full depth avalanches that have potential to run to below treeline elevations.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size: 1.5 - 3

Wind Slabs

Recent strong winds have produced reactive windslabs in alpine and exposed treeline elevations.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2