Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Nov 21 – 22, 2012Parks Canada
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Archived · expired 14 years ago

Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–2
    30 cm HSt and westerly winds producing wind slabs on lee aspects down into treeline elevations. Wind slabs are touchy and are reactive to skier triggering.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3
    Although no recent natural avalanches has been observed on this layer, this still is a significant interface to be aware of. Latest storm inputs may make this layer close to being overloaded. Easy to mod shears found on this layer at Bow Summit .

Weather Forecast

The storm is over. Expect mixed sun and cloud with light snow accumulations through the end of the week. Temperatures will cool off slightly with freezing levels near valley bottom. Winds forecast to be light from the west.

Snowpack Summary

30 cm of storm snow at tree-line along the continental divide along with moderate to strong westerly winds has created wind-slabs in the alpine. Wind slabs are reactive to skier triggering on steep lee terrain. Easy shears at storm snow interface and mod shears down 60 cm on Nov 6 crust.

Avalanche Summary

Sunshine Ski Hill reported several class 1 avalanches ski cut within storm snow on steep rolls. During field trip to Bow Summit area no natural avalanches were observed although visibility was not great. Some whoomphing was heard at treeline.

Confidence

Regions covered