Avalanche Forecast
Regions: Banff, Banff Yoho Kootenay, East Side 93N, Field, Kootenay, LLSA, Lake Louise, Little Yoho, Sunshine, West Side 93N.
The Oct crust is the layer of greatest concern on large alpine slopes. If winds pick up more than forecast, watch for wind slab formation locally.
Ski quality has improved up high where there is a consistent snowpack, but it is still pretty rugged at treeline and below.
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches were observed or reported today. Yesterday, however, some deep slabs with explosives were reported at Sunshine and Lake Louise ski hills, and a natural size two was seen on Scarab Peak in the Sunshine backcountry.
Snowpack Summary
10-20 cm of recent storm snow lies on an early-season snowpack measuring 50-90 cm at treeline. Two weak layers are present: the November 9 crust, found 25-40 cm above the ground, and an October crust near the ground, where facets and depth hoar are developing. Observations of the October layer are limited, but it appears most prominent on northerly aspects at treeline and above.
Weather Summary
Low of -15C and highs of -5C Thursday. Light to moderate alpine winds and no snow. See image below for tables.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be aware of the possibility for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.
- Pay attention to the wind; once it starts to blow, sensitive wind slabs are likely to form.
Avalanche Problems
Deep Persistent Slabs
The crust/facet layer from October 23, located just above the ground, is capped by a 50-80 cm slab. This layer has caused avalanches over the past week. The extent of the problem remains uncertain, but we advise exercising extra caution on steep, open alpine features.
Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood: Possible
Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5