Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Nov 18 – 19, 2011Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 15 years ago

Avalanche danger

Fri
Sat
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

Easily triggered avalanches up to size 1.5 have been observed in the last week. Open steep terrain with wind loading should be carefully evaluated or avoided. This severely limits choice as this is the terrain with enough snow to travel. JBW

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible - Likely
    Size
    1–2
    All slopes that look inviting for skiing have a wind slab over depth hoar layering. Cracking, whumphing and skier triggered avalanches have been observed. This layer collapses with Easy results. Pick lower angled low consequence terrain.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2
    Steep open slopes at and above treeline have a soft to hard wind slab that is sensitive to human triggering near the ground on the basal depth hoar. In isolated areas the Nov 7 surface hoar layer fails and then steps down. Sa size 1.5 at Bow Summit

Weather Forecast

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Summary

Confidence

Due to the number and quality of field observations

Regions covered