Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 16th, 2015 4:04PM

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

grant statham, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Another storm is heading our way, with up to 40 cm predicted by Wed. Expect an avalanche cycle on Tues which builds through the day and peaks that night. Avoid avalanche terrain; the hazard will improve later this week when the deep freeze arrives.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Here comes another storm! The next system in a NW flow will hit the region starting Monday night; expect 10 cm by Tuesday morning, then another 20-30 cm is forecast through the day and into Tuesday night. This storm is accompanied by strong winds in excess of 100 km/hr in the high alpine, and rising temperatures. On Wednesday, clear skies and -20.

Snowpack Summary

In the Sunshine backcountry today, 90 cm of total snow on the ground, with most of it having fallen within the last week. The snow is well consolidated, but not glued to the ground very well with two column test failures at the ground level. A layer of surface hoar exists 15-20 cm off the ground, but no test results were found on this layer today.

Avalanche Summary

Less avalanche activity reported today with the temperatures cooling 10 degrees in the past 24-hours. Lake Louise ski area today threw numerous explosives with only small avalanches as a result. Evidence of a widespread avalanche cycle of large avalanches in the last 72-hours.

Confidence

on Tuesday

Problems

Storm Slabs

70cm of recent snow has deposited the majority of the total snowpack within the last week. This is thick layer of solid snow, but its bond to underlying surfaces is suspect. Avalanches failing near the ground should be expected in starting zone areas

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wind Slabs

In alpine areas, strong winds have been redistributing the loose snow into leeward areas where windslab failures should be expected in the upper 50 cm on leeward terrain. These areas can be predictable, and can be avoided with careful route finding.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 17th, 2015 4:00PM