Avalanche Forecast

Avalanche Bulletin - Banff, Yoho, and Kootenay National Parks

Date issued

Sep 22, 2017 - 4:11 PM

Valid until

Sep 23, 2017 - 4:00 PM

Prepared by

snow safety

We have had two early season snowfalls now with recent accumulations up to 60cm in the alpine. Although we do not have enough information to form an accurate avalanche forecast, avalanche activity can be expected in the alpine this weekend.

Danger Ratings
Problems
Details

Off Season

Information regarding summer mountain conditions can be found on the Mountain Conditions Report, published by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides.

Summer Condition details

Avalanche Summary

Not many people have been out traveling in the alpine with the poor weather so we have very limited information. Expect the worst and be prepared with avalanche safety equipment if you plan to venture into the alpine this weekend.

Snowpack Summary

15 to 40 cm of snow has fallen at treeline over the last 5 days with freezing levels dropping as low as 1400m. Snow line now sits at 1800m as the sun is coming out again on Friday. Expect accumulations up to 60cm in the alpine. This will add to an snowfall from earlier this month that left up to 20cm on shaded slopes in the alpine.

Weather Forecast

As of Friday 22, snow has accumulated every day in the alpine since the 18th. Mainly overcast skies Saturday with a chance of flurries will give way to some clearing and warming Sunday. A slight deterioration is expected for Monday.

Danger Ratings Explained

1 - Low

Generally safe avalanche conditions. Watch for unstable snow on isolated terrain features.

Natural and human-triggered avalanches unlikely.

Small avalanches in isolated areas or extreme terrain.

2 - Moderate

Heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features. Evaluate snow and terrain carefully; identify features of concern.

Natural avalanches unlikely; human-triggered avalanches possible.

Small avalanches in specific areas; or large avalanches in isolated areas.

3 - Considerable

Dangerous avalanche conditions. Careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding and conservative decision-making essential.

Natural avalanches possible; human-triggered avalanches likely.

Small avalanches in many areas; or large avalanches in specific areas; or very large avalanches in isolated areas.

4 - High

Very dangerous avalanche conditions. Travel in avalanche terrain not recommended.

Natural avalanches likely; human-triggered avalanches very likely.

Large avalanches in many areas; or very large avalanches in specific areas.

5 - Extreme

Avoid all avalanche terrain.

Natural and human-triggered avalanches certain.

Large to very large avalanches in many areas.

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