Avalog
Register
Get forecast notifications
Create an account to receive email notifications when forecasts are published.
Register
Login
Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Nov 27th, 2020–Nov 28th, 2020
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
3: Considerable
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low
Alpine
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate
Treeline
2: Moderate
The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate
Below Treeline
1: Low
The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Banff Yoho Kootenay.

Weather Forecast

Up to 10-15 cm expected along the Divide, with the highest amounts expected on the West side in higher terrain.  Strong winds should ease early Saturday and through the day.  Temperatures will also fall slightly on Saturday.  Sunday looks cooler, mix of sun and clouds with winds picking up through the day.

Snowpack Summary

Alpine terrain scrubbed by recent strong W-SW wind created windslabs at treeline and above. The Nov 5 facet/crust combo is down 50-80 cm and producing variable test results from easy to hard, but 'sudden' in fracture character. The Nov crust extends up to 2500 m on N aspects and higher on solar aspects. Snow depths at treeline are 70-130 cm.

Avalanche Summary

New touchy cornice growth in the last 24 hrs. Sunshine forecasters report stubborn windslabs at treeline 10-15 cm think. Lake Louise area saw less reactivity. One recent size 2.5 avalanche observed on a steep moraine lee feature at 2100 m, in the path next to the Takakkaw Falls hostel. The crown was 60-70 cm deep and propageted about 80 m.

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Continued strong Westerly winds have created windslabs in the alpine and at treeline. Less reactive today at treeline in some locations.

  • If triggered the wind slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
  • Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

The deeper Nov.5 crust has facets growing above and below it, and exists up to 2500m on shady aspects and higher on solar aspects. New load from recent winds may make this layer more sensitive

  • Be aware of thin areas that may propogate to deeper instabilites.
  • Pay attention to overhead hazards like cornices which could trigger the deep persistent slab.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3