Avalanche forecast

Banff Yoho Kootenay

Nov 23 – 24, 2013Parks Canada
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Avalanche danger

Sat
Sun
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
2 · Moderate
Below
1 · Low
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Highlights

The potential for large skier triggered avalanches continues to exist. Limit exposure to large alpine features and be conservative until things settle out. At treeline and below the snowpack is shallow and many early season hazards are present. CJ

Avalanche problems

  • Wind Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Possible
    Size
    2–3
    While the winds have calmed down the potential for triggering existing wind slabs remains especially in alpine areas. These slabs have the potential to step down into the weaker basal facets and the October crust resulting in larger avalanches.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Likely
    Size
    1–3
    The recent snow is settling into a cohesive slab and the natural and explosive triggered avalanche activity in the last couple days confirms the potential for large slides on the basal facets and Oct 27 crust.

Weather Forecast

The next few days look like a mix of sun and cloud with generally light winds out of the W and no significant precipitation. Warmer temperatures will be present with alpine temperatures approaching the freezing mark at times.

Snowpack Summary

30 to 50 cm of low density storm snow was received earlier in the week. This is slowly settling out into a soft slab over a weak layer of basal facets. The Oct 27 rain crust is present near the ground in many alpine areas, especially on North aspects and continues to provide a good sliding layer. Wind affect in open areas at treeline and above.

Avalanche Summary

Several explosive triggered storm slabs up to size 3, sliding on the Oct 27th rain crust were reported today in the Sunshine and Lake Louise ski areas. Natural activity has slowed down however the possibility for human triggering of the weak layers at the bottom of the snowpack remains high.

Confidence

Regions covered