Avalanche Forecast
Avalanche Bulletin - Banff, Yoho, and Kootenay National Parks
There is still much uncertainty with the Oct 31 persistent weak layer. Conservative route choices are still suggested.
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.
Avalanche Problem 2: Wind Slabs
What Elevation?
Which Slopes?
Chances of Avalanches?
Expected Size?
Fresh snow and moderate to strong winds have created fresh wind-slabs in the alpine in lee areas.
Travel and Terrain Advice
- Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.
Avalanche Summary
One audible avalanche was heard by forecasters today near Crowfoot Glades. Likely it came from the cliffs high above. A surprising lack of activity was observed today after last nights warm temperatures and heavy precipitation.
Snowpack Summary
Continued strong winds have created wind-slabs in lee areas in the alpine and have extended down to some tree line areas. The recent Nov 23 crust is located ~30cm below surface and is producing moderated snowpack test results. The main weakness in the snowpack remains the weak facets associated with the Oct 31 crust now buried ~70cm at treeline.
Weather Forecast
We are expecting precipitation starting at noon on Tuesday and accumulations of approximately 20cm by end of day Thursday. Luckily, the freezing level is expected to stay below surface and we will see this as snow. Wind will continue in the moderate range from the S-SW.
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Additional snow load and wind is adding volume on top of the Oct 31 crust. This layer remains active as evidenced by recent avalanches (Lake Louise yesterday) and snow pack tests in the hard range today at Crowfoot Glades.