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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 31st, 2020–Jan 1st, 2021

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Alpine
Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.
Treeline
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Below Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Regions

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

As winds pick up Thursday night, avalanche hazard will start to increase. A significant storm arriving midday Friday could be a major shake-up for our snowpack.

Weather Forecast

A trough forming over the prairies will serve to increase winds overnight Thursday through the forecast area with trace amounts of snow. Midday Friday marks the start of a significant storm event arriving from the Pacific. Expect strong SW winds and valley bottom temperatures to rise to zero while the intensity of snowfall increases into Saturday.

Snowpack Summary

The snow surface conditions are soft, dry snow. This snow buries wind effect found in open areas at high elevations. The Dec 13 and Dec 7 sun crust/surface hoar/facet layers are down ~ 50cm and ~80 cm respectively and are strengthening. The decomposing Nov crust/facets sits at the bottom of the snowpack. Height of snow at tree line is 120-170cm.

Avalanche Summary

A size 2 cornice fall was noted on Mt Rundle earlier in the day but otherwise we have had no new avalanche observations or reports.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Friday

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.