Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 23rd, 2014 4:46PM

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

conrad janzen, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

We will see a slow rise in hazard through the early part of this week. New wind slabs building over the November rain crust will be the layer to watch for as more snow arrives.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Light flurries, tree line temperatures between -7'C and -15'C, and Light to Moderate SW winds will continue through Tuesday. Wednesday we expect to see more significant snow throughout the forecast area.

Snowpack Summary

Below treeline there is not enough snow for avalanches. Above 1900m a buried rain crust that formed in early November lies 20-40cm above the ground. This along with surface hoar in some areas is being buried by light snow this weekend and may create a sliding layer. Some lee slopes will have thin wind slabs.

Avalanche Summary

One small skier triggered avalanche was reported in the Bow Summit Area a few days ago. Ski hills are seeing small (1.5) wind slabs 20-40cm thick being triggered in very steep terrain. These are not yet big enough to bury a skier or climber, but could push you off of a cliff or into a terrain trap.

Confidence

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

Problems

Wind Slabs

Isolated, small wind slabs have been triggered on the November rain crust in the Sunshine area and seen in alpine gullies. These would be of consequence if they were triggered above a terrain trap, or if they pushed you off of a cliff or ice climb.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 24th, 2014 4:00PM