Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Dec 18 – 19, 2013Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Avalanche Control is planned for the Sunshine Road tomorrow. No skiing or climbing on Bourgeau or the Eagles. JBW

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–3
    20-40cm storm snow over the past few days has been moved by strong westerly winds creating fresh, touchy slabs on steep lee features.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3
    Many of the recent avalanches have been stepping down or failing at the base of the snowpack on the early season weak base..

Weather Forecast

Another storm tonite will bring possibly 5-10 cm followed by cold temperatures with a brief arctic air outbreak. Another storm will moderate temperatures by the weekend.

Snowpack Summary

Approximately 25 cm storm snow with strong south-westerlies over the last two days has created touchy wind slabs in all open areas above treeline. Windward slopes are scoured. bare. The mid pack remains strong enough to support most places where the snowpack is deeper than 60cm. The base is weak DH. Isolated SH at treeline beneath storm snow.

Avalanche Summary

A fresh size 2.5 was observed above Bourgeau Right Hand Waterfall that ran down to the edge of the cliffs. The crown was blown in beneath the cornice but suspect storm snow snow slab with wind loading as the trigger.

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Regions covered