Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Nov 19 – 20, 2012Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

Mon
Tue
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

A strong wet storm is headed onshore and looks like it will bring us moderate and possibly heavy snowfall depending on the exact track. This could create the first major avalanche cycle of the season. JBW

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    1–3
    Strong winds have begun to move snow creating some new slabs. If the strong storm coming onshore reaches us with the forecasted snowfall amount,  it will rapidly increase the danger.

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    2–3
    Deep slabs size 2-3 have been noted on isolated steep alpine slopes over the past week. Failure plane was at the bottom of the snow pack on firn or glacier ice. Additional load and wind may be enough to create more avalanches of this nature.

Weather Forecast

A strong southwesterly flow with a strong supporting jet will bring heavy precipitation to the southern Rockies. We may see as much as 20-30cm of snow. Winds will be very strong from the south west.

Snowpack Summary

First wave in a series of storms brought some light snowfall. Nov 6 crust is down 30. Windslabs in open areas. Expect up to 30 cm new by Tuesday.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reoprted. Expect increase in avalanche activity within 24 hrs with new snow and wind.

Confidence

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

Regions covered