Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 14th, 2016 4:14PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is below threshold. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

conrad janzen, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

15-20cm of new snow and cooler temps have helped the early season ski conditions. Watch for the lurking early season hazards in thin areas.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Flurries are forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday with total accumulations of 5-10cm. Cooler temperatures and light to moderate SW to West winds with a slight clearing trend near the end of the week.

Snowpack Summary

10-20cm of new snow at treeline in most of the forecast area accompanied by moderate to strong SW to NW winds forming new wind slabs at higher elevations and building new cornices. This new snow sits on the Nov 12 crust which is present on all but high elevation N aspects. Below this is a well settled snowpack.

Avalanche Summary

Sluffing in steep terrain and some skier triggered wind slabs on the November 12 crust up to size 1.5 were reported Monday in the local ski areas.

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Tuesday

Problems

Wind Slabs

New wind slabs have formed with the new snow on Monday. So far things seem to be bonding reasonably well to the buried Nov 12 crust however some skier triggering has been reported on this layer. Climbers should expect sluffing in steep gullies.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 15th, 2016 4:14PM