Avalanche Forecast
Avalanche Bulletin - Banff, Yoho, and Kootenay National Parks
Widespread avalanche cycle today running on the Halloween crust to size 3. Numerous wet avalanches observed below treeline. Up to 75 cm recently in the alpine & 16-24 mm below treeline. The snowpack needs time to adjust - make conservative choices.
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?
Lots of new snow in the alpine to move around. Winds will remain moderate to strong (SW) over the next few days. Reactive windslabs should be expected near all ridges and gully areas.
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Avoid freshly wind loaded features.
Avalanche Problem 3: Loose Wet
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
The snow below treeline is saturated and will need time to freeze. Ice climbers in particular should avoid gully climbs for the next 48-hours.
Avalanche Summary
Throughout the region there were numerous natural and controlled avalanches to size 3 today running far down the track and well into the run-outs as they incorporated the wet snow below treeline. It will take some time for the snowpack to cool and adjust to the new load.
Snowpack Summary
There is up to 75 cm new in the alpine from the recent storm and rain soaked snow below 2200 m throughout the region. The main feature of concern has been a facet layer associated with the halloween rain crust in the bottom third of the snowpack. Numerous slab avalanches have occurred on this layer and wet loose avalanches below 2200 m.
Weather Forecast
As of 7 am Thursday, temperatures have started to cool, and as of 4 pm it's snowing in Lake Louise village. Expect cooler temperatures and some flurries over the next few days along the divide. Winds will remain moderate to strong from the SW.
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This is an active avalanche problem that has become over loaded. It is the main reason people should avoid all avalanche terrain. Watch overhead hazard, avalanches will run further than expected incorporating slushy wet snow.