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Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 3rd, 2018–Dec 4th, 2018
Alpine
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low
Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Although by definition the danger is low, there have been isolated skier remote avalanches in steep alpine terrain over the past several days. Conditions are good but its not open season, and our snowpack continues to weaken with the colder temps.

Weather Forecast

The benign weather pattern we are currently experiencing will persist for a few more days. Trace amounts of snow combined with a mix of sun and cloud is expected Tuesday. Wind will remain light from the W/NW. The temperature may dip down to the -20 range Tuesday evening.

Snowpack Summary

Trace amounts of new snow overnight. 5-10 cm of recent snow has been redistributed into thin wind slabs in immediate lee areas at treeline and above. The October 26th crust/facet layer is ~30 cm above ground. Snow depths range from 50-85 cm at 2000 m. In many areas the entire snowpack is faceting and becoming quite weak.

Avalanche Summary

No new natural avalanches observed today. There have been a few skier remote avalanches in the past several days, size 1.5-2, in isolated locations where a hard slab was sitting over the weak basal facets. Some small loose dry sluffs have also been reported in steep alpine terrain.

Confidence

Due to the number and quality of field observations

Avalanche Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

It is still possible to trigger this layer but it will be in isolated, steep spots and often adjacent to thin rocky areas. Be cautious in steep terrain where a stiffer, more cohesive slab exists over the weak faceted snow at the base of the snowpack.
Whumpfing is direct evidence of a buried instability.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, West, North West.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1.5 - 2