Strong winds have cause an uptick in natural activity and increased the amount of snow in avalanche start zones. With strong winds in the forecast, natural avalanche activity can be expected to continue.
Early Season Conditions persist.
Wind slabs up to size 2.5 can be expected in the alpine and exposed tree-line locations. Depending on the area, many of these will sit over basal facets and/ or a melt/freeze crust.
Ice climbers pay attention to terrain traps as sluffs may run a significant distance in steep or confined terrain.
With the strong winds this morning there was an increase in natural avalanche activity. Both Sunshine and Lake Louise ski hill's reported natural activity up to size 2.5. Lake Louise ski hill saw a dramatic increase in activity as multiple avalanches occurred as the winds became strong this morning. While we have limited observations, ski hills are reporting that wind slabs are likely failing on the late October crust and are very sensitive to human and natural triggers.
It's still very much early season. With 30-50 cm at tree line and 50-80 cm in the alpine, there are still many early season hazards lurking below the snow's surface.
Wind slabs at tree line and in the alpine have been sensitive to human triggering and also failed naturally. Additionally, steep terrain in the alpine may still be produce loose snow avalanches.
Forecasters are still working with limited observations.
Winds will continue to be strong tonight and into tomorrow. Expect partially cloudy skies and trace amounts of snow Friday, with the next front arriving on Saturday. Mild temperature are expected tomorrow, with an alpine high of -2C.
For more info, please see the Mountain Weather Forecast.
