The good people at Parks Canada have really outdone themselves in their latest avalanche forecast, on December 24th, 2006. Unfortunately, they don’t record the forecasts in a chronological blog-like format, but rather, the same page is updated every 3 days or so, wiping out old content. There are a lot of great reasons not to do it that way, such as having the historical conditions available in an easily accessible way to those who are interested, but that is another story.
For your enjoyment, and for posterity, here is the Christmas Forecast:
Synopsis:
‘Twas the night before Christmas and all along the divide,
a few skiers and snowboarders checked out where to ride.
With a robust winter snowpack trip plans were made with some dare,
but steep unsupported lee features must still be treated with care!
Also be cautious of thin leading edges,
a possible place where slabs can pull out in wedges.
The cornices all looked so huge by the bunch,
don’t sit underneath one if you stop to eat lunch!
Avalanche Activity:
Although Santa prefers to have reindeer guiding his sleigh,
we used a helicopter to look all around the ranges today.
While we checked every aspect and searched far and wide,
we were unable to locate a single new slide.
Outlook:
Santa’s first stop tonight is the coast with a sack full of new snow,
by the time he stops here he’ll only have about 5 or 10 cm to show.
With the danger at moderate this little teaser will leave us craving some more,
but be thankful at least we’re not getting a visit from the holiday hoar.
Travel Conditions:
With the endless storms that have battered the coast,
its those far western mountain ranges that really can boast.
Out here in the Rockies we’ve seen a constant west wind,
leaving a variable snowpack which we all must contend.
Although Parks Canada’s forecasters always struggle to rhyme,
we know the best gift you can give is to come home safely every time.
Merry Christmas!
SM/MH
Fantastic job, SM/MH!! Happy trails…
