Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 17th, 2016 4:00PM

The alpine rating is low, the treeline rating is low, and the below treeline rating is below threshold. Known problems include Wind Slabs.

deryl kelly, Parks Canada

Jasper.

New low density snow came in with little wind leaving loose snow on ledges and in gullies. This will potentially impact climbers.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Light flurries and no significant snow now to Monday. Friday expecting sunny ways and winds remain light Westerly to Southwesterly. Temperatures will range -5 to -15.

Snowpack Summary

20cm of low density storm snow sits on top of a 10cm thick laminated crust at tree line, below the crust is 20-30cm of large grain snow to ground. Pockets of wind slab may exist in the alpine and resting on the crust up to 2600m. Below tree line is un-skiable due to lack of snow. Early season conditions exist at all elevations.

Avalanche Summary

Thursday's avalanche control initiated 1 sz 1 on parkers slabs. Ski party released a small cornice with no results on Parkers Upper Ridge. Banff NP reported a near miss Tuesday with an iceclimber taking a 300m ride in a size 2 slab. This is noteworthy to remain vigilant where localized winds can form slabs.

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

Isolated pockets of wind slab below ridge line in the Alpine is buried by 20cm of recent storm snow.

Use caution in lee areas. Wind loading could create slabs.Early season hazards such as rocks, trees and stumps are still visible.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 18th, 2016 4:00PM