Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 24th, 2015 4:00PM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

Parks Canada ian jackson, Parks Canada

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Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Watch for fresh windslabs in lee and cross-loaded terrain in the alpine and at treeline. Even a small avalanche in exposed terrain could have high consequences. Overall, a great start to the season in the Rockies, though!

Summary

Weather Forecast

An arctic high pressure system has moved in and we are under the influence of N/ NE flow for the foreseeable future. This means cold temps (highs -5 to -10 and lows of -15 to -20 in the valley bottoms), with clear skies and generally light N/ NE winds. Expect some moderate gusts which will make those temperatures feel cold!

Snowpack Summary

5-15 cm of storm snow from Monday overnight overlies widespread wind effected terrain above treeline, and a soft well settled snowpack below treeline. The new snow is being blown into fresh windslabs in isolated leeward and crossloaded areas at treeline and in the alpine, typically 10-30 cm thick and they may trigger easily.

Avalanche Summary

Sunshine and Lake Louise ski hills were reporting fresh windslabs reactive to ski cuts in alpine and treeline terrain today. These were generally small, and 10- 30 cm deep in lee and crossloaded terrain.

Confidence

The weather pattern is stable

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Fresh snow from Mon night and Tues has been blown into windslabs in lee and cross loaded areas. Any avalanches should remain relatively small - but watch out for fresh windslabs in terrain with consequences.
Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 25th, 2015 4:00PM

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