Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 5th, 2017 3:08PM

The alpine rating is below threshold, the treeline rating is below threshold, and the below treeline rating is below threshold. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

Parks Canada conrad janzen, Parks Canada

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Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Our information is limited but watch for isolated pockets of wind slab in the alpine. Skiing is possible above 2100m due to a buried crust down 10-15 cm that helps carry the weight of skiers, but hitting rocks or stumps is still a real concern.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A Northern flow continues to keep cold arctic air in our region for the next few days. Expect high overcast and light flurries with clearing skies mid-week. No significant snow accumulations are expected through the middle of the week.

Snowpack Summary

An average of 30-50 cm of snow at treeline with up to 100 cm in alpine locations. A crust formed prior to Halloween is down 10-15 cm helping provide support for skiers. This crust disappears on N aspects around 2500m. Alpine winds have created isolated pockets of wind slab. On glaciers be wary of the ice-snow interface and check it for instability.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanche activity has been observed or reported. Some small wind triggered sluffs were observed in steep gullies on Sunday with the potential to run quite far due to the presence of the Halloween crust. 

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
This is a typical early winter avalanche problem that exists in isolated pockets where the snow has drifted into small wind slabs and the slope is steep enough to slide. Mainly a concern for ice climbers in steep gullies or walking above cliffs.
Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 6th, 2017 3:08PM

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