Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 23rd, 2016 4:00PM

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

aaron beardmore, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Low density snow overlies an uncharacteristically strong base. The wind is expected to increase by Friday. Watch for windslabs with all of the available snow for transport.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Very light accumulations (~10cm) are expected by Friday. Temps will range from -5 to -10. Wind at 2700m is expected to pick up to the moderate range on Thursday evening.

Snowpack Summary

15-30 cm of soft snow sits on top of a supportive (5-10cm) crust which overlies a strong base. The bond to the crust seems strong in most places, but we are watching this closely to see how it evolves. Additionally, there is a lot of soft snow available for wind transport, and once we get a good wind storm then expect the avalanche danger to rise.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed or reported today.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Friday

Problems

Wind Slabs

Conditions are good right now but two things to watch for: 1) Winds or warming that will quickly create wind slabs, and 2) the Nov 12 crust which could be a developing problem for the future.

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.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 24th, 2016 4:00PM