Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Nov 23rd, 2013–Nov 24th, 2013

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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

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

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

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Ski quality is still not great throughout the forecast region, and below treeline travel is mainly faceted. Most ice climbs are in decent early season shape. SH

Weather Forecast

W-NW alpine winds Sunday moderate gusting strong. Alpine temperatures should stay below freezing with a mix of sun and cloud and no precipitation.

Snowpack Summary

The Oct. crust/facet layer at the base of the snowpack is the primary concern in the forecast region. Wind slabs up to 1 meter thick over this layer have been stiffening up due to constant W winds. The crust is most prevalent on polar aspects in the alpine, and mainly a facet layer on solar aspects. Below treeline is faceted powder over the ground.

Avalanche Summary

Lake Louise reported more activity than there has been over the last few days, and explosive control was producing size 2`s over the crust on steep NE/N alpine terrain. They attribute this to the stiffening wind slabs over the crust. Sunshine reported one size 2.5 on an E asp. seen outside the boundary, likely occurring within the last 24 hours.

Confidence

Due to the quality of field observations on Saturday

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Harder wind slabs on steep, lee slopes are prone for triggering larger avalanches on the Oct. crust or facets. Steep side walls and exposed ledges on alpine ice climbs are other areas to be cautious of wind slabs.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.Be aware of the potential for wide propagations due to the presence of hard windslabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 2 - 3