Avalanche Forecast
Avalanche Bulletin - Banff, Yoho, and Kootenay National Parks
The first major avalanche cycle of the season will peak on Thurs. Avoid all avalanche terrain. There is a significant weak layer deep in the snowpack that is active and we expect widespread avalanche activity.
Avalanche Problem 1: Persistent Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Avoid all avalanche terrain.
Avalanche Problem 2: Wind Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Winds up to 100 km/hr are forecast for Thurs which will load the new snow onto leeward aspects. Windslabs should be expected near all ridges and gully areas and can be expected to become large once triggered.
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Avoid freshly wind loaded features.
Avalanche Problem 3: Loose Wet
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Warming temperatures and rainfall will create wet avalanches in gully areas below treeline. Ice climbers in particular should avoid gully climbs for the next 48-hours.
Avalanche Summary
Visibility was generally poor throughout the forecast area but some slab avalanches to size 2.0 were noted throughout.
Snowpack Summary
The snowpack near treeline has a variable depth between 60cm and 1m. The main feature of concern is a facet layer associated with the halloween raincrust. This layer has been causing avalanches, extensive whumphing, and has had good propagations.
Weather Forecast
A strong south-westerly flow dominates the region bringing rain, snow and warm temperatures. Rain is expected to reach 2200m Thursday morning followed by snow as the moist air lifts over the colder incoming air. Thursday evening should be winter again with colder temps and snow..
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This is an active avalanche problem and is the main reason people should avoid all avalanche terrain Thursday. The problem exists in most terrain and will become overloaded with the incoming storm. Watch overhead hazard.