Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Nov 12 – 13, 2012Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
No rating
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Highlights

Early season conditions exist. Go easy. The larger avalanches observed on steep northerly slopes indicate things may be more touchy in the high alpine.. JBW

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Wind slabs 20-50cm thick near lees of ridgecrests are sitting on the Nov.6 crust and failing in steeper locations with ski cuts and explosives, More prevalent on north and east, but can be found on all aspects due to the easterly loading.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3
    Several deep slabs size 2-3  have been noted on steep alpine slopes around Lake louise and on the Wapta. These have failed at the bottom of the snow pack on firn or glacier ice.

Weather Forecast

Westerly flow will develop with warming temperatures and light snowfall. Wind transport in open areas likely. Temps -4 to -10 Winds SW 20-40km/hr

Snowpack Summary

Lots of wind effect and wind slabs n open areas. Some slabs pulling out on Nov 6th Crust which is down approx 30cm. Crust is absent above 2700m. Snowpack is 1F and supports skiers at and above treeline. (Depth 60-120cm)

Avalanche Summary

Some controlled (Sc/Xe) slabs in uncontrolled areas at ski hills up to size 2: 30-60cm thick failing on Nov 6 crust. Several larger size 2-3 slabs observed today failing on firn snow about 1meter down in alpine locations along Wapta traverse

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Tuesday

Regions covered