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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Nov 29th, 2020–Nov 30th, 2020
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Despite the recent strong winds, good skiing can be found in many areas. Avalanche conditions seem pretty good, but a rogue large avalanche on Sunday reminds us of the lurking instabilities in the snowpack.

Weather Forecast

Dry and warm conditions for the next few days. Monday, we may see up to 5 cm of new snow, with winds increasing to strong SW. Tuesday will be dry with decreasing winds from the NW. On Wednesday we may see warm alpine temperatures and the possibility of an inversion.

Snowpack Summary

Variable surface conditions exist with hard windslabs in exposed locations and softer snow in more sheltered areas. The Nov 5 facet/crust combo is down 50-80 cm and producing variable test results, but 'sudden' in fracture character. This crust extends up to 2500 m on N aspects and higher on solar aspects. Snow depths at treeline are 70-130 cm.

Avalanche Summary

Minimal avalanche activity observed today at local ski hills and on a ski tour in the Watermelon Peak area. The exception to this was a large avalanche that was witnessed at around 11 am by a member of the public on the west aspect of Dolomite Peak. It was a size 2.5 that ran in a cross loaded gully feature with minimal weather inputs to trigger it

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Windslabs exist in exposed alpine areas from big winds on Friday and Saturday. Give these time to bond and be cautious if you are in steep wind affected terrain.

  • If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
  • Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2

Deep Persistent Slabs

The Nov 5 crust has facets growing above and below it, and exists up to 2500m on shady aspects and higher on solar aspects.  We haven't seen much activity on this layer yet, but a large avalanche failed naturally on this layer on Sunday.

  • Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.
  • Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could trigger the deep persistent slab.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3