Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Dec 30 – 31, 2013Parks Canada
View on map
Archived · expired 13 years ago

Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Open full map

Highlights

The snowpack is structurally weak, and avalanches can be triggered from random areas on steep slopes. Allow room in your decision making for this uncertainty by minimizing exposure to avalanche starting zones. Be patient, the snowpack will improve.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    This problem is mostly small surface slabs formed from recent new snow and strong winds. Above 2400 meters one should expect windslabs in most areas. Locate these windslabs by monitoring the density of the surface snow as you travel through terrain.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    2–3
    Local avalanche forecasters are concerned about this problem, and are calling it a "lurking beast". Deep slabs that are hard to trigger, but the consequences getting caught are dire. Manage your risk by minimizing exposure to avalanche start zones.

Weather Forecast

Systems embedded in a NW flow will continue to cross the region for the next few days.  Expect 5-10 cm of new snow on Monday, temperatures ranging from -5 to -10 and strong NW winds.

Snowpack Summary

At Bow Summit, 13 cm of recent storm snow is being blown into soft slabs at higher elevations where the wind is effecting the snow. The total snowpack depth is 73 cm and comprised mostly of facets and depth hoar. This is a structurally weak snowpack that needs time and more snow in order to gain strength.

Avalanche Summary

Small (size 1) soft slab avalanches were observed in the Sunshine Village area today. No larger avalanches were reported or observed.

Confidence

Regions covered