Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Dec 3rd, 2019–Dec 4th, 2019

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Avalanche hazard will increase with wind and snow. Pay attention to local conditions as they vary throughout the region.

Weather Forecast

Light flurries (5-10 cm) and strong SW winds forecasted for Wednesday. Day-time highs at tree-line around -1. Slight cooling trend for Thursday with mixed sun and cloud.

Snowpack Summary

5-10 cm of fresh snow (and more expected on Wednesday) accompanied by moderate SW winds have created fresh windslabs in lee alpine terrain. The midpack consists of 25-35 cm of facetted snow overtop of the Nov 8 crust. The lower snowpack consists of facets and depth hoar. Snowpack depths at treeline vary from 60-90 cm with up to 140 cm in lee areas

Avalanche Summary

Reports of newly formed wind slabs isolated to ridge crest have been reactive to explosive control and ski cuts. All observed avalanches were size 1-1.5.

Confidence

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.