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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Nov 16th, 2012–Nov 17th, 2012
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
Below Threshold
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

High winds, mild temp's, and anywhere from 5-20cm will increase the avalanche danger by Sunday. Pay particular attention to areas of heavier snowfall.

Weather Forecast

On Saturday, winds and temp's are expected to rise, with strong/extreme SW winds and freezing levels up to 1900m midday. 15cm possible by Saturday night in northern areas of region (Bow Summit). Sunday, cooling with continued strong winds and 5-10cm.

Snowpack Summary

Continued settling of the surface snow over the Nov crusts, which are buried 20-50cm below the surface.  The surface snow varies from soft to hard slab in lee features, while some unconsolidated snow still exists in sheltered locations.  Below the crusts, a settled base exists.

Avalanche Summary

No new observations in Yoho today. Ski hill avalanche control on Sunshine and Lake Louise produced no notable results.

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs sitting on the Nov 6 crust have become more stubborn to trigger in the last few days. This could change with the warm temperatures forecasted, accompanied by up to 10-20 cm's of snow.
Avoid freshly wind loaded features.Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Persistent Slabs

Deep slabs size 2-3 have been noted on isolated steep alpine slopes over the past week. Failure plane was at the bottom of the snow pack on firn or glacier ice. No new have been reported these last few days but are still possible in the high alpine.
Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3