Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 13th, 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.

aaron beardmore, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Incoming storm will raise the alpine danger over the next few days. Expect up to 25cm by Thurs. Strong South wind will accompany the snow.

Summary

Weather Forecast

The beginning of light flurries started today. Accumulations of up to 25cm is expected at treeline in the Northern part of the forecast region by Thursday morning. Freezing levels will fall 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

No new avalanches observed or reported today.

Confidence

Due to the number and quality of field observations on Monday

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.

Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created fresh slabs.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 - 2

Valid until: Nov 14th, 2017 4:00PM