Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 2nd, 2013 4:00PM

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

conrad janzen, Parks Canada

Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Ice climbers should pay attention to wind loading overhead, especially on the Eastern slopes of the park over the next 24 hrs. In the main ranges the snowpack remains shallow with plenty of early season hazards below the surface. LP

Summary

Weather Forecast

The temperatures will drop this week to the -20C range. One more day of moderate N-NE wind as the arctic air moves into the region. The cold temperatures look like they will be with us until at least Friday.

Snowpack Summary

A few cm's of new snow in the alpine. On alpine lee features the snowpack consists of wind slabs over a weak mid-pack with a very weak base of facets. The Oct 27 crust on N-NE aspects in the alpine is breaking down, but is still a sliding layer near ground. On average at treeline there is 70-80 cm of snow, barely blanketing the rocks and stumps.

Avalanche Summary

Small loose snow avalanches observed off cliff features on Mt. Stephen and Crowfoot Peak during the wind event today and yesterday. This activity is mainly a concern for ice climbers. No new slab avalanche activity over the last 4 days.

Confidence

Problems

Loose Dry

Light new snow coupled with gusty N-NE wind has caused some sluffing in steep terrain in the Eastern part of the region. It's mainly a problem for ice climbers. Winds expected to be moderate again on Tuesday.

The volume of sluffing could knock you over; choose your climb carefully and belay when exposed.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wind Slabs

Lee alpine slopes have lingering wind slabs that may be reactive to skier traffic. Probe for evidence of wind slabs over weak facets and use caution in this condition exists. Recent new snow may have added to this condition.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 3rd, 2013 4:00PM