Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 9th, 2015 4:00PM

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

brian webster, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Winter is here in the alpine, and ice routes are starting to form. Ice climbers should be aware of avalanche terrain that may funnel into their climbs.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A mix of sun and cloud forecasted for Tuesday with freezing levels near valley bottom. Light flurries expected on Wednesday and Thursday. More significant snowfall is expected by Friday. Stay tuned

Snowpack Summary

Field observations have been minimal, but generally there is 35-50 cm of snow at 2000 m. At high alpine elevations there is estimated to be 70-100 cm. Winds have generally been light from the south, but there is lots of snow available for transport at upper elevations. Fresh windslabs can be expected on lee terrain at higher alpine elevations.

Avalanche Summary

A flight over Mt. Stanley area (north Kootenay Park) today showed evidence of a cycle up to Class 2.5 in high alpine glaciated terrain. Fractures were estimated to be 40-50 cm deep. A climbing party on Mt. Stanley reported triggering a small avalanche from a north aspect at 2700 m over the weekend. Click here for Facebook report

Confidence

Due to the number and quality of field observations

Problems

Wind Slabs

Fresh windslabs can be expected on lee terrain at higher alpine elevations. See avalanche observations.

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

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Nov 10th, 2015 4:00PM