Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Nov 12 – 13, 2015Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

A significant storm is forecast to hit the area on Friday. Pay attention to the rising avalanche danger

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–3
    Avalanches up to 50 cm deep are being triggered in many areas in high alpine, glaciated terrain.  Avoid wind loaded features in the alpine.

  • Loose Dry

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2
    The entire snowpack is unconsolidated, and loose avalanches have been observed to have run through confined gully areas - this is something ice climbers should keep in mind as they consider any overhead hazards to their routes.

Weather Forecast

Flurries with light accumulations and freezing levels near valley bottom forecasted for Thursday. A significant storm is forecasted for Thursday night through Friday with accumulations of 30-40 cm of snow at treeline, high winds, and freezing levels rising to 1600 m. An avalanche cycle is expected on Friday.

Snowpack Summary

35-45 cm of unconsolidated snow exist at treeline elevations throughout the forecast area. A 5mm layer of surface hoar that was reported in some areas has been buried by several cm of new snow today (November 11 surface hoar). Some soft wind slabs exist at higher alpine elevations.

Avalanche Summary

Over the past five days slabs and loose snow avalanches (up to sixe 2.5) have been triggered and are running naturally from alpine features. Yesterday at Bow Summit a size 1.5 avalanche was remotely triggered on the ground, and on the Wapta a group remotely triggered a size 2 on Mt. Olive.

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Friday

Regions covered