Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 4th, 2016 11:12AM

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.

conrad janzen, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Warming temperatures and moderate to strong SW winds have changed the conditions and increased the hazard to the MODERATE range for the weekend. Still generally a strong snowpack for this time of year but use caution in wind affected areas.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Isolated flurries expected for Saturday night and Sunday this week with moderate SW winds and more precipitation near the divide. The mild temperatures will continue with valley bottom high temperatures possibly reaching 8-10 degrees.

Snowpack Summary

Recent winds have created wind slabs in the alpine and a temperature crust is present on many solar aspects. The snowpack at 2000m is 50-70 cm deep. Skis travel surprisingly well, even in shallow areas. There are a couple crusts in the snowpack on south and west aspects, but on north aspects the deep snowpack is relatively strong.

Avalanche Summary

Moist snow avalanches have been observed in steep south facing terrain up to size two on Thursday. A couple wind slabs up to size 2 were also been reported in the alpine on Thursday. Sluffing in steep alpine terrain will continue until the winds calm down.

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

Moderate to strong SW winds have created wind slabs in open areas in the alpine and near ridge crests. Treat these with caution as getting caught in a slide with the shallow early season snowpack could result in a nasty ride.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 5th, 2016 11:12AM