Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Nov 14 – 15, 2018Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

Thu
Fri
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
No rating
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Highlights

A big winter storm is approaching and conditions will change starting Wednesday. Potentially 30-50 cm of new snow plus strong winds by Thursday. Modify your plans accordingly and avoid exposure to avalanche terrain for the next several days.

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–2
    This problem will develop and become worse through the day on Wednesday, perhaps being widespread by the end of the day. Watch out for all wind loaded slopes as these avalanches will trigger easily as they overlie facets and will bond poorly.

  • Deep Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2.5
    This problem is found in most north facing (shaded) terrain up to 2800m, and will become more reactive as the storm deposits more load. Recommend avoiding all steep alpine terrain for the next few days.

Weather Forecast

A significant storm enters the region starting at midnight on Wednesday and continues through Thursday night; it will be a snowy few days. There is much uncertainty in the models, but some are predicting up to 30cm on Wednesday and another 20cm on Thursday - most of this is expected at Lake Louise and north, accompanied by strong westerly winds.

Snowpack Summary

Storm and windslabs will develop on the snow surface starting Wednesday and continue to build through the storm with 30-50 cm in the forecast. These slabs overlie 50-70 cm of weak facets with a melt-freeze crust in the middle (Oct. 26 crust). Overall the snowpack is weak due to its early season nature and could become overloaded by this storm.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches observed today on the Banff-Jasper highway area or on Observation Sub-Peak. Both Sunshine Village and Lake Louise ski patrols reported no significant new avalanches today - but we are all anticipating the next 24-48 hours to see how much new snow will result from the storm.

Confidence

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

Regions covered