Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 15th, 2016 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.

aaron beardmore, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

~20cm of new snow and cooler temps have helped the early season ski conditions. Watch for the lurking early season hazards in thin areas. See forecast details re: recent incident involving ice climbers.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Flurries are forecast for Wednesday with total accumulations of 5-10cm. Cooler temperatures and light to moderate SW to West winds with a slight clearing trend near the end of the week.

Snowpack Summary

20-30cm of new snow at treeline in most of the forecast area. Winds have tapered off as of today. This new snow sits on the Nov 12 crust which is present on all but high elevation N aspects. Below this is a well settled snowpack.

Avalanche Summary

Yesterday, a group of ice climbers triggered a size 2 slab below the route "Gimme Shelter" near Consolation Lakes. One of the climbers took a 300m ride and was partially buried. No injuries were sustained and a small amount of gear was lost. A very close call.

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations on Tuesday

Problems

Wind Slabs

New wind slabs have formed with the new snow. So far things seem to be bonding reasonably well to the buried Nov 12 crust however some skier triggering has been reported on this layer. Climbers should expect sluffing in steep gullies.

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

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 16th, 2016 4:00PM