Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 12th, 2017 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.

Ian Jackson, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Incoming storm will raise the alpine danger over the next few days. Pull back the reigns and let the storm settle out. Watch for early season hazards!

Summary

Weather Forecast

Low pressure system approaching from the coast. Forecasts are calling for 15 cm of snow Monday, and another 5 cm on Tuesday and Wednesday in the northern part of the bulletin region, with less in the south and east. Freezing levels will be highest on Monday (1900m) and falling back to 1200m Tues and Wed. Alpine winds will be strong from the S.

Snowpack Summary

An average of 30-50 cm of snow at treeline with up to 100 cm in alpine locations. A crust formed prior to Halloween is down 10-15 cm helping provide support for skiers. This crust disappears on N aspects around 2500m. Previous alpine winds have created pockets of wind slab. On glaciers be wary of the ice-snow interface and check it for instability.

Avalanche Summary

Nothing new observed in Field area and on a flight from Banff to Bow Summit.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain

Problems

Wind Slabs

Incoming snow, wind and warm temps will make this layer more active. Stay out of steep, gullied terrain while the storm is here.

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

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 13th, 2017 4:00PM