Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Nov 4th, 2020–Nov 5th, 2020

Alpine

Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.

Treeline

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural and human triggered avalanches likely.

Treeline

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches possible, human triggered probable.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

A storm is approaching with wind and snow load. Avoid travel in avalanche terrain, especially steep gully's and lee areas.

Weather Forecast

Between 20 and 40cm of storm snow is expected overnight tonight and into Thurs. Temperatures are expected to be warm in the valley, with the ridge line being just below zero. The wind is going to pick up to 100km/hr from the SW late Weds night and persist into Thurs.

Snowpack Summary

The system has arrived and deposited only 5-10cm of new moist snow on to the existing 30-70cm snowpack. Little wind is associated with the new snow as of this afternoon. The bond between new and old snow is reportedly good for now but more load is on the way and this will likely change for the worse. Another 20-40cm is expected on Thursday.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed or reported on Wednesday.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Thursday

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.