Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 23rd, 2013–Dec 24th, 2013

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Backcountry touring in the park is highly variable now due to the early season conditions. The best snowpack is found on the west side of the Banff-Jasper highway, and the Sunshine Village backcountry. Be patient and avoid avalanche starting areas.

Weather Forecast

Little change forecast over the next few days, so Santa should have smooth sailing with only a few clouds to navigate through. Temps will range from -2 to -10 with light snowfall on Tuesday and light westerly winds.

Snowpack Summary

20 cm of facetted snow sits on a generally weak snowpack. All areas of the park have <100cm of total snowpack, comprised almost entirely of facets and depth hoar near the base. Today, field teams in Kootenay Park found well preserved surface hoar down 40 cm from the top which produced moderate to hard shears. The snowpack should not be trusted.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed or reported today.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Overall the snowpack is very weak, and full depth avalanches are likely to be human triggered in specific areas. Stick to low angled terrain without any overhead hazard, and try to avoid all avalanche starting zones under these conditions

Avoid steep, open slopes.Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to weak layers at the base of the snowpack.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs may exist in some areas of wind loading at higher elevations. While these avalanches may be initially small, once started they have the potential to trigger a larger, deep slab.

Use caution in lee areas in the alpine. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2