Avalanche Forecast
Avalanche Bulletin - Banff, Yoho, and Kootenay National Parks
Freezing levels are forecasted to rise to 3000m tomorrow. Forecasters are uncertain how this will impact the Oct 31 layer and avalanche hazard in general. Ice climbers should avoid climbing under start zones.
Avalanche Problem 1: Persistent Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Use conservative route selection, choose moderate angled and supported terrain with low consequence.
- Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.
Avalanche Problem 2: Wind Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Recent moderate to strong winds have created variable windslabs in exposed alpine areas along the divide. These are mostly stubborn, but because they are of variable stiffness.
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.
- Watch for surface cracking and stiffer surface layers of snow. Avoid wind loaded terrain.
Avalanche Summary
No avalanches were observed or reported today.
Snowpack Summary
Surface hoar up to size 5 has now formed on the surface. Below 2500m, 30 -50 cm of snow lies over the Nov 27th and Nov 23rd crusts. Both of these now overly the Halloween crust/ facet layer that sits 30-50cm above the ground. This lower layer is a facet layer above 2500m and a crust below.
Weather Forecast
The freezing level is forecasted to climb to 3000m by midday on Thursday. Clear skies and light NW wind are accompanying the rise in freezing levels.
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Natural avalanche activity has tapered however, shallow alpine areas warrant caution. Also, forecasters are uncertain as to how the Oct 31 layer will react to rising freezing levels on Thursday.