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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Nov 12th, 2023–Nov 13th, 2023

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Below Treeline
Early Season
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Early Season
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Early Season

Regions

Banff, Kootenay, Sunshine.

As we transition into winter, we're starting to see the first significant avalanche's of the year. Ice climbers in particular should be mindful of the terrain above their head and below their feet.

Confidence

Low

Avalanche Summary

There have been numerous reports of natural and explosive triggered avalanches to size 2 within the last 48h in the alpine. Skier controlled avalanches were reported by Sunshine ski hill up to size 1 at tree line. Dry loose avalanches have also been reported by climbing parties.

Snowpack Summary

The recent storm has brought an additional 10-30cm's of new snow to the region. Total snow depth's vary significantly with elevation, the deepest areas being lee features of the alpine where 50-70cm has been reported. There are generations of winds slab within the snowpack, which overlay a very weak base. Wind slabs have failed naturally within the last 48h, up to size 2.

Weather Summary

5-10 cm's of new snow with moderate to strong winds out of the south west are expected tomorrow, with greater snow fall amounts on the 93N. The storm is forecast to arrive through the afternoon, with an alpine high of -3C.

For more info please see the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid exposure to overhead avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind or rain.
  • Watch for wind-loaded pockets especially around ridgecrest and in extreme terrain.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Loose Dry

Loose Dry avalanches are the release of dry unconsolidated snow and typically occur within layers of soft snow near the surface of the snowpack. These avalanches start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-dry avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs.