Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Nov 22nd, 2020 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs, Persistent Slabs and Loose Dry.
Benjamin Firth,
Avoid areas that have been wind loaded and watch for early season hazards. Your field reports can be submitted through the MIN and are much appreciated
Summary
Weather Forecast
Tonight: Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries. Precip: Trace. Alp temps: Low -8 C. Ridge wind SW: 10-30 km/h.
Monday: Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries. Precipitation: Trace. Alpine temperature: High -6 C. Ridge wind west: 10-30 km/h.
Tuesday: Flurries. Accumulation: 9 cm. Alp temp: Low -9 C, High -7 C. Ridge wind SW: 20-35 km/h.
Snowpack Summary
The snowpack is highly variable depending on location. Height of snow at Parkers is ~100cm at treeline. The Nov.4 crust up to 2600m, and is up to 70cm deep. Test results on this crust have shown a mix of mod sudden/resistent planar results. Continued wind slab develop on N and E aspects ridgetop down into treeline. Basal layers continue to weaken
Avalanche Summary
Several natural wind slab and dry loose avalanches in the alpine on north aspects have been observed in the Icefields, Jasper and Bald hills region over the past 72 hours. Natural avalanche activity has decreased over the last 24 hours with the winds reducing and clear skies having moved into the area.
Confidence
Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Tuesday
Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent winds and snow have formed wind slabs
- Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
Pockets of previous wind deposited snow overlies the Nov 4 rain crust. Test results are mixed on this layer but appears to be becoming more reactive with increased loads and continued faceting
- Pockets of persistent slabs linger on alpine lee features.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, West, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Dry
- Be cautious of sluffing in steep terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Nov 23rd, 2020 4:00PM
