Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.
New snow and strong winds have created areas of wind slab, avoid steep gullies or convex rolls.
It's still early season, ski and ride with care as rocks, stumps and open creeks would be an easy way to end the season.
Weather Forecast
A cold front is pushing into region and will drop temps as low as -20 and another 5cm of snow by wednesday morning. Wednesday will see a slight clearing trend, no new snow, moderate Westerly winds with a daytime high of -5. Another storm system approaches on Thursday evening and is forecasted to bring 10cm of snow, strong winds and rising temps.
Snowpack Summary
10-20cm of new snow in the past three days with gusty alpine winds up to 85km/hr. Treeline snow depths range from 40-60 cm with up to 100 cm in the lee features. In general the snowpack is still thin, weak and highly variable in depth. An October crust has been providing support to help ski travel. Limited snow below treeline.
Avalanche Summary
Received a third hand report of a full burial in the Observation Peak area on Sunday afternoon, no injuries. A couple dry loose avalanches up to size 1.5 were observed Monday in steep alpine gullies near Bow Lake and a small natural wind slab observed in alpine terrain near Bow Summit. Limited visibility on Tuesday obscured our avalanche patrol.
Confidence
Due to the number and quality of field observations
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
Strong winds and the new snow has created pockets of wind slab in the alpine and possibly into treeline, burying some small older wind slabs. Watch for wind affected areas in steep terrain while climbing or skiing.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially in steep confined alpine terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2
Loose Dry
Ice climbers and skiers should be aware of the potential for loose snow avalanches in steep gullies as new snow and strong winds provided rapid loading in steep alpine terrain.
- The volume of sluffing could knock you over; choose your climb carefully and belay when exposed.
- Be cautious with gully features.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5