Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Dec 7 – 8, 2015Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 11 years ago

Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Stormy weather is expected to affect the region over the next few days.  Slab formation has begun over the December 3 interface and we will be closely watching how the incoming snow bonds to this highly variable layer.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Small wind slabs are forming in the immediate lee of prominent features and ridgelines. Areas further to the north have seen, and expected to see, larger snow inputs so greater slab development can be expected in those regions.

Weather Forecast

A series of systems will bring moderate amounts of precip in several pulses to the region through Thursday. Moderate to strong westerly winds will continue in the alpine and freezing levels look like they should peak Tuesday with the influence of the south westerly flow.

Snowpack Summary

The Dec 3 interface is now buried by 10-20cm in the alpine. This interface consists of facets BTL, widespread wind effect above TL, suncrusts on steep S and SW aspects, and surface hoar up to 20 mm found in some locations up to 2000m. South and Southwest winds in the moderate range are building soft slabs in the lee of alpine features-.

Avalanche Summary

Small windslabs local to ridgecrests are reactive to skier traffic in the alpine and at treeline.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Regions covered