Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 22nd, 2016 4:45PM

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

Grant Statham, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Great skiing conditions at treeline and above. Soft snow overlies a strong base. We are waiting for the winds to pick up in order to see the avalanche danger rise - but until then enjoy the good early season conditions. Looks like snow on Friday.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Expect overcast skies and light flurries for Wednesday, with treeline temperatures ranging from -5 to -10 and winds continuing to be light from the SW.

Snowpack Summary

15-30 cm of soft snow sits on top of a supportive (5-10cm) crust which overlies a strong base. The bond to the crust seems strong in most places, but we are watching this closely to see how it evolves. Additionally, there is a lot of soft snow available for wind transport, and once we get a good wind storm then expect the avalanche danger to rise

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed or reported today. We had teams on Highway 93 north, and east towards Kananasksis Country.

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Friday

Problems

Wind Slabs

Conditions are good right now but two things to watch for: 1) Winds or warming that will quickly create wind slabs, and 2) the Nov 12 crust which could be a developing problem for the future. Check for this as you enjoy the good conditions right now.

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

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 23rd, 2016 4:00PM