Banff, Kootenay and  Yoho National Parks
Avalanche Bulletin
Date / Time Issued:   November 19, 2003 at 1400**
Valid  Until:   November 20, 2003
 
Forecast Area:  

This forecast covers the east and west sides of the Continental Divide from the Wapta 
Icefields area in the north to the Sunshine area in the south. It also includes the Main 
Range area from Lake Louise to Bow Summit. 

Danger Rating: 

Alpine High 
Treeline Considerable 
Below Treeline Considerable 

Discussion:

   Another 30 cm of snow has fallen bringing the total of accumulated snowfalls to 50 or 60 cm. 
   This significant storm snow and accompanying southwest winds have overloaded the weak base. In 
   the alpine, natural activity is occurring and will continue. The snow is expected to ease off 
   over the next 24 hours but further windslab formation will occur. Areas that have not slid 
   should be considered suspect. Even where the snowpack is not that deep, triggering an avalanche    
  could have serious consequences since even a small slide could carry a person over rocks and rough ground. 
  
This is the first major snowfall of the winter. It is also the first major avalanche cycle of the 
season. Backcountry users should try and curb their enthusiasm and make decisions accordingly. 

Outlook:   

With the relatively mild temperatures, the storm snow will settle fairly quickly. However, the weak 
base will not strengthen that quickly so the instability will linger. This means that the danger level 
is not expected to improve much for a few days. 

Travel Conditions:   There are still only limited areas that can offer opportunities for backcountry 
skiing. Access to treeline is a prerequisite so places like Bow Summit and the Wapta are the best bet 
even though from a danger perspective, conservative terrain use is recommended until conditions improve. 
Ice climbs with snow above them or on them are a bad idea right now.