Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Nov 16th, 2015 4:13PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs and Wind Slabs.
grant statham,
Avalanche Canada
Another storm is heading our way, with up to 40 cm predicted by Wed. Expect an avalanche cycle which builds through Tuesday and peaks that night. Ice climbers in Field: be aware of loose snow avalanches running over the climbs on Tues afternoon.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Here comes another storm! The next system in a NW flow will hit the region starting Monday night; expect 10 cm by Tuesday morning, then another 20-30 cm is forecast through the day and into Tuesday night. This storm is accompanied by strong winds in excess of 100 km/hr in the high alpine, and rising temperatures. On Wednesday, clear skies and -20.
Snowpack Summary
In the Sunshine backcountry today, 90 cm of total snow on the ground, with most of it having fallen within the last week. The snow is well consolidated, but not glued to the ground very well with two column test failures at the ground level. A layer of surface hoar exists 15-20 cm off the ground, but no test results were found on this layer today.
Avalanche Summary
Less avalanche activity reported today with the temperatures cooling 10 degrees in the past 24-hours. Lake Louise ski area today threw numerous explosives with only small avalanches as a result. Evidence of a widespread avalanche cycle of large avalanches in the last 72-hours.
Confidence
Problems
Storm Slabs
70cm of recent snow has deposited the majority of the total snowpack within the last week. This is thick layer of solid snow, but its bond to underlying surfaces is suspect. Avalanches failing near the ground should be expected in starting zone areas
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South, South West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
In alpine areas, strong winds have been redistributing the loose snow into leeward areas where windslab failures should be expected in the upper 50 cm on leeward terrain. These areas can be predictable, and can be avoided with careful route finding.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Nov 17th, 2015 4:00PM
