Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 24th, 2011 4:00PM

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

Snow Safety, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

It is possible that we may see 10-15 cm of new snow on Christmas night and Boxing Day. This may be enough to bump the hazard to Considerable as the winds are forecasted to be very strong. Merry Christmas!

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Monday

Problems

Wind Slabs

Thin windslabs formed from previous strong winds can be triggered in steep open areas. In some cases this may provide enough load to step down to the deeper basal layers to cause larger avalanches.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

These are becoming harder to trigger, but light loads can still cause avalanches on the basal depth hoar/October rain crust.. The most sensitive trigger points are thin or crossloaded slopes. Stick to moderate angled areas with a thicker snowpack.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Dec 25th, 2011 4:00PM