Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Dec 27 – 28, 2014Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

The skiing has improved due to recent snow, however there is a poor bond at the storm snow interface which will persist for some time and the snowpack overall is very weak. Avoid larger features, and steeper terrain. Enjoy the lower angled terrain.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–3
    15 to 30cm's of snow from last week is bonding poorly to previous surfaces and remains reactive to skier triggering, especially in areas where there is some wind loading and slab development. This is more of a problem in the western areas of the park

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–3
    A weak and facetted basal layer exists at the bottom of the snowpack. Smaller storm snow avalanches may step down to this weak layer.

Weather Forecast

A few flurries overnight then a clearing and cooling trend starts on Saturday. Clear skies, light NE winds and cold temperatures are forecast for Sunday and Monday.

Snowpack Summary

Recent winds have created small wind slabs in the alpine which sit over the Dec 18 layer of crust, facets and/or surface hoar depending on the location. A poor bond exists at this interface. At the base of the snowpack weak crusts and facets exist which are still a concern.

Avalanche Summary

"Speed Run" at Lake Louise ran naturally as a size 2 on December 26th following some moderate wind transport overnight. A couple other natural avalanches up to size 2 were also observed. Following the storm last week avalanches up to size 2.5 were observed with propagations up to 200 m, and occasionally stepping down to the basal facets/crusts.

Confidence

Regions covered