Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Dec 14 – 15, 2014Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

With blue skies in the forecast, it is important to remember that the base of our snowpack is still very weak. Stick to well supported, moderate angled terrain in the alpine. Ice climbers should also watch for the effects of solar heating above them.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Recent strong southwest winds have stripped windward areas and created fresh wind slabs in lee terrain in the alpine. If triggered these wind slabs can easily step down to the basal facets resulting in a larger avalanche than expected.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3
    Natural avalanche activity has tapered off but snowpack tests show that the weak facets at the base of the snowpack continue to be a concern. With a stronger upper snowpack, triggering an avalanche is less likely but the consequences remain serious.

Weather Forecast

A ridge of high pressure is building that will persist through Tuesday. Light winds, cooler temperatures and clear skies will be the norm for the next few days. Watch for some intense solar effect on steep south facing terrain.

Snowpack Summary

In the alpine a few cm`s of new snow overlies widespread wind slabs created by recent strong SW winds. At treeline and above, mild temperatures have helped strengthened the upper snowpack but the basal rain crust/facets remain weak. Below treeline a rain crust is present and the moist snow is gaining strength rapidly with the cooler temps.

Avalanche Summary

A few explosive triggered avalanches up to size 2 were observed at Sunshine Village today failing on the basal crust/facet combination. No new natural avalanches were observed today.

Confidence

Due to the number and quality of field observations

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