Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Nov 28 – 29, 2018Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

Visibility was poor today, so limited observations on Tuesday. A little bit of new snow with some moderate SW winds has created some small reactive windslabs in the alpine.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–1.5
    A little bit of new snow and moderate SW winds have created thin windslabs in immediate lees. These are small, but could be consequential in steep or exposed terrain.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Occasional reports continue of skier remote and explosive triggered slabs on the October 26 crust and facet layer. Avoid steep terrain where a stiffer, more cohesive slab exists over these weak, faceted crystals near the base of the snowpack.

Weather Forecast

A warm wet storm is hitting the coast, but we won't get much in the Rockies. We should see another 5-10 cm with mild temperatures by the end of day Thursday with moderate SW winds. Colder air is coming on Friday as temperatures drop to -15 to -20 and winds switch to the NW.

Snowpack Summary

Moderate SW winds and 5-10 cms of new snow has created windslabs in the alpine. These sit on sun crust on steep south and surface hoar on sheltered N aspects. The Oct 26 crust is found ~10-30 cm above the ground with large facets growing both above and below it. The snowpack averages 40-85 cm at 2200m across the region and is weakening as it facets

Avalanche Summary

Sunshine Village ski patrol was reporting thin soft windslabs in immediate lees on Tuesday. These were touchy, but small and low consequence at this time. No other avalanches observed or reported, but visibility was limited.

Confidence

Regions covered