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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Nov 16th, 2023–Nov 17th, 2023

Alpine
Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Early Season
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Early Season
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Early Season

Regions

Banff Yoho Kootenay, Little Yoho, Banff, East Side 93N, Kootenay, Lake Louise, LLSA, Sunshine, West Side 93N, Field.

Strong winds have cause an uptick in natural activity and increased the amount of snow in avalanche start zones. With strong winds in the forecast, natural avalanche activity can be expected to continue.

Early Season Conditions persist.

Confidence

Low

Avalanche Summary

With the strong winds this morning there was an increase in natural avalanche activity. Both Sunshine and Lake Louise ski hill's reported natural activity up to size 2.5. Lake Louise ski hill saw a dramatic increase in activity as multiple avalanches occurred as the winds became strong this morning. While we have limited observations, ski hills are reporting that wind slabs are likely failing on the late October crust and are very sensitive to human and natural triggers.

Snowpack Summary

It's still very much early season. With 30-50 cm at tree line and 50-80 cm in the alpine, there are still many early season hazards lurking below the snow's surface.

Wind slabs at tree line and in the alpine have been sensitive to human triggering and also failed naturally. Additionally, steep terrain in the alpine may still be produce loose snow avalanches.

Forecasters are still working with limited observations.

Weather Summary

Winds will continue to be strong tonight and into tomorrow. Expect partially cloudy skies and trace amounts of snow Friday, with the next front arriving on Saturday. Mild temperature are expected tomorrow, with an alpine high of -2C.

For more info, please see the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
  • Ice climbers should be equipped with avalanche safety gear.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Loose Dry

Loose Dry avalanches are the release of dry unconsolidated snow and typically occur within layers of soft snow near the surface of the snowpack. These avalanches start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-dry avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs.