Avalanche Forecast
Avalanche Bulletin - Banff, Yoho, and Kootenay National Parks
By definition, the danger rating is moderate. However, the Dec 15th layer continues to be very sporadic and temperamental in its reactivity and distribution. Exercise caution near steep rolls at treeline.
Avalanche Problem 1: Wind Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.
- If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
Avalanche Problem 2: Persistent Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
This layer continues to be the cause of much uncertainty with forecasters. Easy test results and report of significant whumps and cracks show the potential for this to be a dangerous problem. It is present and reactive in some areas, not in others.
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Choose conservative lines and watch for clues of instability.
- Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.
Avalanche Summary
Avalanche control produced results up to size 2.5 today on Hwy 93S and the Sunshine Road. The larger avalanches were produced on uniform terrain features at treeline where the Dec 15th surface hoar was present. Overall, the control mission produced 'hit and miss' results, which speaks to the variability and distribution of the Dec 15th layer.
Snowpack Summary
Continued warm alpine temperatures and clear skies moistening the upper snowpack on steep S-W aspects. 30-50cm over the Dec.15 persistent weak layer of facets and surface hoar. This Dec 15th layer is becoming reactive to skiers at treeline and above and producing easy to moderate snowpack test results. Below this is a heavily faceted snowpack.
Weather Forecast
The temperature inversion will continue until Tuesday morning. Expect alpine temperatures to remain near 0 degrees. A cooling trend is expected thereafter. Cloud cover and the start of light precip will begin late on Tuesday. Accumulations of up to 10cm are expected by the end of Thursday. Wind will pick up to moderate from the SW throughout Tues.
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Wind slabs are present in the alpine and near ridge crests at treeline in isolated areas. Watch for the changing feel of the snow under your feet and be wary of areas with denser surface snow over weaker snow.