Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Dec 2 – 3, 2018Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

We are rating it as LOW, but there are certain slopes that can be triggered by backcountry users.  As people push out into new and bigger terrain, be wary where a slab sits over facets and/or a crust.

Avalanche problems

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1.5–2
    It is still possible to trigger this layer but it will be in the isolated, steep spot.  Be careful around steep terrain where a stiffer, more cohesive slab exists over the weak snow at the base of the snowpack.

Weather Forecast

Some scattered flurries (1-3cm), with temperatures ranging from lows of -15C to highs of -5C.  Winds will be light from the NE.  A cooling trend Monday and Tuesday will lows in the -20C range and no new snow. 

Snowpack Summary

5-10 cm of recent snow has been redistributed into some thin windslabs in alpine and treeline immediate lees. The October 26th crust/ facet layer is ~ 30 cm above ground. HS ranges from 50-85 cm at 2000 m with the entire snowpack faceting and weakening.

Avalanche Summary

The Lake Louise Ski area had a slackcountry remote triggered size 2 avalanche yesterday which has been the only avalanche observation over the last week.  It occurred near treeline and indicates the need for consideration of the deeper weaknesses despite the generally improving conditions.

Confidence

Regions covered