Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 23rd, 2015 4:00PM

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

grant statham, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Another storm is crossing the region on Monday night and we expect another 10 cm at treeline. This will form fresh windslabs, but otherwise conditions should remain relatively good with a nice refresh of soft snow on the surface.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Moist Pacific air traveling in a westerly flow aloft collides with cold, arctic air descending from the north. Models are indicating 10 cm at treeline for most areas in the Rockies, with winds shifting to north starting Monday night. Expect strong, gusty winds and blizzard like conditions as the cold front passes through. Clear skies by Tues night.

Snowpack Summary

5-10 cm of storm snow from Monday evening overlies widespread wind effected terrain above treeline, and a soft well settled snowpack below treeline. Expect the new snow to be blown into fresh windslabs in isolated leeward areas, typically 20-30 cm thick and they may trigger easily on Wednesday immediately following the storm.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported or observed on Monday.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Tuesday

Problems

Wind Slabs

Fresh snow from Mon night and Tues will be blown into windslabs in leeward areas. We do not expect this condition to become terribly widespread, and any avalanches should remain relatively small - but watch out for tender windslabs on Tuesday.

Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 24th, 2015 4:00PM