Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Dec 1st, 2024–Dec 2nd, 2024

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Bow Valley, Highwood Pass, Kananaskis, North 40, Spray - KLakes.

Wind slabs are evident at upper elevations. Use caution when entering lee and cross-loaded terrain, and be aware of overhead terrain.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were observed on Sunday, but field teams on Saturday reported significant sluffing in steep cliffy terrain, mainly on East aspects. This was likely due to the strong wind event that was occurring at the time. A party reported a near miss from an overhead avalanche near Tryst Ridge/Little Tent Ridge - see the MIN.

Snowpack Summary

Extensive winds over the previous couple of days have created widespread winds slabs at 2300m and above. Not much evidence of natural avalanche activity on this problem yet, but human triggering on lee and cross-loaded slopes is likely. At lower elevations the snowpack remains weak and unconsolidated with many early season hazards lurking. The October rain crust is one to watch. It is now buried 40 to 70cm and would provide a good sliding layer if the layer above was triggered.

Weather Summary

Monday will be mainly sunny with high temp near -4C. Winds will be moderate to strong from the W to NW. No snowfall is expected for the next several days.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
If triggered, wind slabs avalanches may step down to deeper layers resulting in larger avalanches.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Saturday saw a significant increase in winds that were creating fresh wind slabs above 2300m.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, South.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Likely

Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5

Persistent Slabs

This slab is sitting on the October crust which has facets above it and provides a good sliding surface. It is more reactive on N and E aspects.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5