Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 18th, 2016 4:00PM

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

Lisa Paulson, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Some good skiing can be found at upper elevations on a supportive snowpack. Some wind slabs remain active and may be sitting on an underlying rain crust depending on aspect and elevation.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Under the influence of a ridge over the weekend bringing slightly warmer temperatures and light SW winds.Â Expect a few flurries along the Divide Saturday, but nothing substantial.Â Skies will be clearer on Sunday.

Snowpack Summary

15-30cm received early this week was accompanied by moderate to strong SW to NW winds which formed some wind slabs at higher elevations. This new snow sits on the Nov. 12 crust (1-2cm thick ) which is present up to 2400 m and higher on South aspects. Below this is a well settled snowpack.

Avalanche Summary

Some small wind slabs over the Nov. crust noted near ridgelines or on approach to ice climbs. Generally, we have limited observations from high alpine areas.

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations

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/climber triggering has been reported on this layer.

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 19th, 2016 4:00PM