Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 18th, 2013 5:44PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

snow safety, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Another 10-15 cm of snow is expected at treeline elevations on Monday night. Tuesday will see a clearing and cooling trend with winds switching to the northwest. Cool, dry conditions forecasted for the end of the week.

Snowpack Summary

Another 5-15cm of new snow today with moderate to strong W winds in the alpine and intense wind transport up high. 25-40cm of recent storm snow now sits over a facetted base. Above 2400m the Oct 27 melt freeze crust exists near the base of the snowpack and continues to provide a good sliding layer.

Avalanche Summary

In upper elevations over the past few days there has been several skier and explosive controlled wind slab avalanches up to size 1.Â In addition there has been some smaller natural activity reported on lee alpine terrain.

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

Fresh wind slabs exist at treeline and alpine elevations. These wind slabs are susceptible to human triggering.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.Use caution in lee areas in the alpine. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 19th, 2013 4:00PM