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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Oct 30th, 2019–Oct 31st, 2019

Alpine
Below Threshold.
Treeline
Below Threshold.
Below Treeline
Below Threshold.
Alpine
Below Threshold.
Treeline
Below Threshold.
Below Treeline
Below Threshold.
Alpine
Below Threshold.
Treeline
Below Threshold.
Below Treeline
Below Threshold.

Regions

Jasper.

Early season hazards (rocks, vegetation) lurk under a shallow weak snowpack.  Ice climbers are most vulnerable to loose dry avalanches in gulleys and terrain traps where the ice forms.  B-Country users are encouraged to carry avalanche rescue gear.

Weather Forecast

Expect the current alternation of cold fronts and sunny spells to continue. Watch out for locally fluctuating freezing levels, rain, and sun which may leave crusts - November crusts can linger in the snowpack and cause hazard issues for the whole season.

Snowpack Summary

Avalanche Canada: Early season hazards - Paper

Moderate to intense transport observed in the alpine building wind slabs at ridge top and in open terrain. Overall, expect the snowpack structure to be inconsistent and weak under foot/skis with cold temps promoting facetting in the shallow areas, creek beds and similar type terrain traps.

Avalanche Summary

The snow is sticking around above 1800m but most areas are still below threshold for ski travel. Rideable snow may be found in the Alpine; walking to elevation is likely required, stumps and rocks are concealed and crevasses will be weakly bridged and well hidden. All back country users should consider carrying avalanche safety gear.

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.

Loose Dry

Loose Dry avalanches are the release of dry unconsolidated snow and typically occur within layers of soft snow near the surface of the snowpack. These avalanches start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-dry avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs.