Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 14th, 2015 4:00PM

The alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Loose Dry.

conrad janzen, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Natural avalanche activity is slowing down but the potential for human triggering remains high. Stick to conservative terrain.Rocks, logs and other early season hazards are now buried just below the surface so travel with caution.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Another 10cm is expected overnight and throughout the morning on Sunday with mild temperatures and moderate to strong SW winds. Monday will see freezing levels dropping and drier weather.

Snowpack Summary

60-70cm of new snow at treeline over the last two days now sits over a layer of surface hoar, sun crust and/or facets near the ground. This layer is acting as a good sliding surface for the new snow. Warm temperatures have caused rapid settlement of the storm snow and total snowpack is between 65 and 80cm at treeline in most areas.

Avalanche Summary

Natural avalanche activity has slowed down but ski hills were still reporting "touchy" conditions on Saturday at treeline and above. Slides to size 2 (40-60cm deep, 50m wide) were being triggered on a mixture of sun crust, surface hoar, and facets near the ground over the past two days. Skier triggering remains very likely in steep terrain.

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations

Problems

Storm Slabs

50-70cm of recent snow is settling into a 50-60cm slab sitting over a mix of surface hoar, facets and sun crust near the ground. Combined with wind loading in open areas, this is creating ideal conditions for human triggered slabs in steep terrain.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Dry

The new snow combined with the increasing winds on Sunday will continue to sluff in steep terrain. Ice climbers in particular should watch for sluffing in gullies and confined terrain.

The volume of sluffing could knock you over; choose your climb carefully and belay when exposed.Avoid travelling on ledges and cliffs where sluffing may have severe consequences.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 15th, 2015 4:00PM