Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Dec 14 – 15, 2013Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Light snowfalls and strong winds will slowly push the avalanche danger upwards over the next few days. JBW

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Thin new windslabs exist on steep lee features at TL and above. These slabs are sensitive to  triggering, and may step down to the basal depth hoar once triggered. Be aware of the potential for wind to trigger avalanches above climbing routes.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3
    The shallow early season snowpack has depth hoar and/or crust at the base and any triggered avalanche will likely step down and involve the entire thickness. A large avalanche with serious consequences is possible.

Weather Forecast

Another fairly strong pacific storm in a north-westerly flow will bring snow to the Columbias and westerly slopes of the Rockies but only light snow with strong winds to most of the forecast area.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 10 cm new over the past 24 hrs with moderate westerlies have created some touchy thin new wind slabs at treeline and above. The base remains weak with depth hoar and isolated crust near the ground. Drib and drab storm snow combined with wind will be enough to create some natural avalanche activity on steep lee features.

Avalanche Summary

A few thin windslabs have been reported by ski hill avalanche teams. in addition, a natural avalanche ran over a climbing party on Polar Circus yesterday in a near miss with no injuries.

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Saturday

Regions covered