Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Dec 1 – 2, 2013Parks Canada
View on map
Archived · expired 13 years ago

Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Open full map

Highlights

Avalanche hazard will begin rising as the new snow arrives on Sunday afternoon and Monday. Keep a close eye on local snowfall amounts and winds. CJ

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Some lingering wind slabs over facets or the October crust still exist in the alpine on lee slopes.  With the new snow and moderate to strong W winds, expect new wind slabs to form quickly over the next two days.

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Ice climbers in particular should watch for rapid wind loading and sluffing in steep alpine terrain as this next storm arrives on Sunday afternoon. Watch local snowfall amounts carefully and plan to be off of exposed terrain early.

Weather Forecast

Moderate snowfall is forecast to begin by mid-day on Sunday with 5-10cm of new snow by Sunday evening accompanied by strong West winds.  An additional 5-10cm is forecast for Monday before the cold, dry arctic air arrives on Tuesday.

Snowpack Summary

On lee features in the alpine the snowpack consists of wind slabs over a weak mid-pack with a very weak base of facets. The Oct 27 crust on N-NE aspects in the alpine is breaking down, but is still a sliding layer near ground. On average at treeline there is 70 cm of snow, barely blanketing the rocks and stumps.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanche activity over the last 48 hours.  Expect sluffing to begin as the new snow arrives on Sunday.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Regions covered