Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Nov 12 – 13, 2019Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

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

Watch for new wind slabs in steep alpine terrain as the winds pick up Monday night and into Tuesday.

Good skiing can be found in sheltered areas with the normal cautions for early season hazards and a thin snowpack.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2.5

    Moderate to strong gusty winds are expected Monday night which may lead to new wind slabs forming in the alpine for Tuesday.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2.5

    Facets are forming around October crusts in the lower snowpack. A few avalanches have been observed stepping down into these facets or sliding on top of the October crusts. Watch for weaknesses at the base of the snowpack in steep terrain.

Weather Forecast

Some gusty West winds are expected Monday night and into Tuesday easing up by the end of the day. A few cm's of snow is also expected but accumulations will be minimal. Temperatures will be in the -2 to -6 range at treeline.  Wednesday and Thursday look cool and clear.

Snowpack Summary

10-20 cm of recent storm snow sits over the November 8 crust and a variety of old wind slabs in the alpine. The Nov 8 crust is present up to 2400 m. Faceting observed around the Oct crusts near the ground. Treeline snow depths range from 50-80 cm, and up to 110 cm in lee areas.

Avalanche Summary

On Monday a few small natural and skier triggered wind slabs in steep alpine terrain were observed on the 93 North. Sunday a natural cycle up to size 2.5 was observed in steep alpine terrain as the winds and new snow arrived. Sunday also saw a few skier triggered avalanches to size 1.5 in the new snow, occasionally stepping down to the Oct crust.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Tuesday

Regions covered