Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 17th, 2013 4:00PM

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

conrad janzen, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Wind loading and early season hazards such as rocks and stumps are the main concerns today. In most places the snow pack is still too shallow for good skiing. Ice climbers should be aware of wind loading at upper elevations for the next two days.

Summary

Weather Forecast

The forecast is for 10-15cm of snow tonight and Monday with moderate to strong WSW winds over the next two days. Tuesday the storm passes and temperatures begin dropping. By Wednesday we expect cold temperatures, light winds and a mix of sun and cloud.

Snowpack Summary

5cm of new snow today with moderate W winds in the alpine and some wind transport up high. 20-40cm of recent storm snow now sits over a facetted base. Above 2400m the Oct 27 melt freeze crust exists near the base of the snowpack and continues to provide a good sliding layer.

Avalanche Summary

One cornice failure and a few small skier controlled wind slabs in the alpine failing on the October 27 melt freeze crust were reported today. Recent activity has consisted of wind loaded features failing either within the storm snow or near the base of the snow pack on facets and/or the Oct 27 melt freeze crust.

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

Continue to watch for sluffing in gullies and wind slabs at higher elevations. New wind slabs will be forming during the next two days and some of the previous wind slabs are still capable of being triggered by skiers and climbers.

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

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 18th, 2013 4:00PM