Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Nov 23 – 24, 2014Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 12 years ago

Avalanche danger

Sun
Mon
Alpine
1 · Low
Treeline
1 · Low
Below
No rating
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Highlights

We will see a slow rise in hazard through the early part of next week. New wind slabs building over the basal November rain crust will be the layer to watch. SH

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2
    Isolated, small wind slabs have been triggered on the November rain crust in the Sunshine area and seen in alpine gullies. These would be of consequence in the back country if triggered in a terrain trap or if it knocked you off of a cliff.

Weather Forecast

A westerly flow will dominate for the forecast, bringing mod-strong alpine winds and increased moisture flow. So far only a few cm are expected each day on Sunday and Monday. On Tuesday forecasts are calling for 10-15cm at higher elevations which will make conditions more prone to human triggering.

Snowpack Summary

Below treeline there is not enough snow yet for avalanches. A supportive rain crust above 1900m formed in early Nov. and lies 20-40cm above the ground. How high this rain crust exists has yet to be determined. This along with surface hoar in some areas is being buried by light snow this weekend. Some lee gullies have thin windslabs.

Avalanche Summary

One small skier triggered avalanche was reported in the Bow Summit Area two days ago. Ski hills are seeing small (1.5) wind slabs 20-40cm thick being triggered in very steep terrain.  These aren't yet big enough to bury a skier or climber, but could push you off of a cliff or into a terrain trap.

Confidence

Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Tuesday

Regions covered