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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 1st, 2021–Dec 2nd, 2021
Alpine
4: High
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be high
Treeline
4: High
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be high
Below Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be considerable
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be moderate

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

The storm will end Thursday AM, but expect avalanche hazard to stay elevated until cooler temperatures arrive and the new load settles.

Weather Forecast

Snow ending early Thursday AM, alpine winds will be around 40-60kmh decrease Thursday night into Friday. Poor to no freeze Thursday AM. Freezing levels will drop to valley bottom by the evening. Some flurries can be expected but no significant snow. Friday the temperatures will remain below freezing at valley bottom with light winds.

Snowpack Summary

Speculating 30-100cm of new snow in the high alpine based on 30mm at Bow Summit and 40mm at Sunshine in the last 24 hours. Rain occurred up to 2400m, saturating the snowpack. A midpack Nov.15 crust is found below 2100m, and the Nov. 5 crust/facet layer exists near the ground.

Avalanche Summary

Widespread natural activity and results to size 3 with explosives today. Poor visibility obscuring start zones but debris piles found in almost every path.

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain on Thursday

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

There has been an estimated 40-100cm of new snow and strong winds. this will have created sensitive slabs at treeline and above.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Very Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

This significant load is likely overloading the Nov. 5 crust/facets just above the ground. If initiated these can cause very large, destructive avalanches. This layer will need time to adjust.

  • Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood: Very Likely

Expected Size: 2 - 3.5

Loose Wet

These will likely decrease in sensitivity Thursday as temperatures drop, but with no freeze overnight they will remain a problem.

  • Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Treeline, Below Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2