Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Nov 24 – 25, 2013Parks Canada
View on map
Archived · expired 13 years ago

Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
Open full map

Highlights

Ski quality is still not great throughout the forecast region, and below treeline travel is mainly faceted. Most ice climbs are in decent early season shape. SH

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3
    Harder wind slabs on steep, lee slopes are prone for triggering larger avalanches on the Oct. crust or facets. Steep side walls and exposed ledges on alpine ice climbs are other areas to be cautious of wind slabs.

Weather Forecast

W-NW alpine winds Sunday moderate gusting strong. Alpine temperatures should stay below freezing with a mix of sun and cloud and no precipitation.

Snowpack Summary

The Oct. crust/facet layer at the base of the snowpack is the primary concern in the forecast region. Wind slabs up to 1 meter thick over this layer have been stiffening up due to constant W winds. The crust is most prevalent on polar aspects in the alpine, and mainly a facet layer on solar aspects. Below treeline is faceted powder over the ground.

Avalanche Summary

Lake Louise reported more activity than there has been over the last few days, and explosive control was producing size 2`s over the crust on steep NE/N alpine terrain. They attribute this to the stiffening wind slabs over the crust. Sunshine reported one size 2.5 on an E asp. seen outside the boundary, likely occurring within the last 24 hours.

Confidence

Due to the quality of field observations on Saturday

Regions covered