Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Nov 13 – 14, 2012Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

Tue
Wed
Alpine
2 · Moderate
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
No rating
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Highlights

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Widespread wind slabs (20-50cm thick) in the alpine are sitting on the Nov.6 crust and are reactive to skier triggering in steeper locations. More prevalent on north and east, but can be found on all aspects due to the easterly loading.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3
    In helicopter flight over the Wapta on Sunday several deep slabs size 2-3  were been noted on steep alpine slopes . These have failed at the bottom of the snow pack on firn or glacier ice. See avalanche report.

Weather Forecast

Mixed sun and cloud for next few days. Freezing Levels rising to ~1200m on Tuesday. Light to moderate westerly winds.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 35 cm of recent storm snow has formed widespread wind slabs in the alpine and is sitting overtop of the Nov 6 rain crust. November 6 crust is well developed at treeline elevations but was not found above 2700 m. At treeline average snowpack depth is 70 cm deep.

Avalanche Summary

No new naturals today. Ski hills reporting slabs up to Class 2 with explosives running within storm snow or on Nov. 6 crust.  Class 2 slab on St Nich (reported yesterday) ran on firn snow and was human triggered. See Facebook link below for picture.

Confidence

Regions covered