Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Dec 31, 2013 – Jan 1, 2014Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Good skiing can be found in sheltered areas but the overall weak nature of the snowpack requires that conservative route choices be made.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Up to 35 cm settled storm snow in past three days found at tree line west of the divide and 10-20 cm east of the divide. Continued westerly winds have created hard and soft wind slabs at treeline and alpine elevations.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    2–3
    The midpack and basal pack is mostly weak facets and depth hoar. The potential for a full depth avalanche continues to exist if the sweet spot is triggered.

Weather Forecast

Snow will taper of on Monday night with just light flurries for Tuesday and Wednesday.  Up to 10cm forecasted for Thursday. Treeline temperatures will be around -8

Snowpack Summary

At treeline the snowpack is roughly 1 metre deep. The midpack is supportive on skis but is comprised mostly of weak facets. East of the divide there is 10-20 cm of recent storm snow and west of the divide there is up to 35 cm of fresh snow. Continued mod to strong winds have created hard and soft slabs in the alpine.

Avalanche Summary

One natural up to Class 2 observed on Mt. Dennis above the Field Ice Climbs. Several loose snow avalanches out of steep terrain in the recent storm snow observed in Emerald lake area

Confidence

Regions covered