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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 3rd, 2024–Dec 4th, 2024
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
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
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
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
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
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Banff, Banff Yoho Kootenay, East Side 93N, Field, Kootenay, LLSA, Lake Louise, Little Yoho, Sunshine, West Side 93N.

Some fresh wind-slabs can be expected in immediate alpine lees on Wednesday. Keep the deep persistent layers in mind, especially on large alpine slopes.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Lake Louise patrol reported one skier controlled cornice that triggered a size 1 wind slab in the immediate lee of an alpine ridge.

Snowpack Summary

The early-season snowpack at treeline measures 50-90 cm. In the alpine there is scouring on windward slopes and some fresh loading on immediate lee aspects. A surface crust or moist snow may exist on south aspects below 2500m. The November crust lies mid-pack on south aspects, while the main concern is the October crust near the ground on north aspects, where facets and depth hoar are forming. The snowpack is generally weak and facetted.

Weather Summary

Mild temperatures and moderate winds with a possible above freezing layer in the alpine are the theme for Wednesday. Winds are expected to become strong by Friday. Valley bottom temperatures will rise to just above freezing. Winds will be in the 30-40 km/h range on Wednesday and becoming stronger on Thursday.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Pay attention to the wind; once it starts to blow, sensitive wind slabs are likely to form.
  • Be mindful that deep instabilities are still present in the snowpack.

Avalanche Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

The October and November crusts, on north and south aspects respectively, are still producing isolated slab avalanches down about 50-80 cm. Be mindful on steep, rocky alpine slopes where triggering is most likely.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1.5 - 2

Wind Slabs

Recent winds and forecasted strong winds winds are expected to form fresh wind slabs on lee slopes in the alpine. If triggered, these slabs could entrain facets, leading to longer-than-expected runouts.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 1.5