Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.
The hazard will be directly related to storm snow totals over the next two days. We haven't listed it as a "problem" yet, but the deep persistent facets and depth hoar are growing weaker, and isolated avalanches could step down to these layers.
Weather Forecast
Another system is forecast to bring snow to the region on Friday and Saturday. Amounts are still uncertain but there could be anywhere from 10-40cm along the divide, and less on the eastern slopes. There will be an increase in SW winds at upper elevations and temperatures will begin to rise.Â
Snowpack Summary
20 to 30cm of new snow accompanied by moderate to strong SW winds have created fresh wind slabs on lees slopes at treeline and above. The midpack consists of 25-35 cm of facetted snow overtop of the Nov 8 crust. The lower snowpack consists of facets and depth hoar. Snowpack depths at treeline vary from 60-100 cm with up to 140 cm in lee areas
Avalanche Summary
There have been many avalanches in the alpine to size 2.5 over the last 24 hours. These have been primarily wind slabs in the new snow with isolated avalanches stepping deeper into the facets.
Confidence
Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Friday
Avalanche Problems
Wind Slabs
20-30cm of recent storm snow accompanied by strong SW winds have created wind slabs in alpine features and some treeline ridgetops. Expect an increase in the size and reactivity of these as we receive more snow and wind over the next couple of days.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 2.5
Loose Dry
If we receive the forecast snow and wind in addition to the 20-30cm we have received already, expect sloughing to be a concern in the short term.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Likely
Expected Size: 1 - 1.5