Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Oct 30th, 2019 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Dry.
deryl kelly,
Parks Canada
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.
Summary
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
Scramblers, alpine and ice climbers, snow shoers, hikers and riders may all encounter variable windslabs through out the region. Be extremely cautious in terrain traps, and creeks where even a small slide could have dangerous consequences.
- Use caution in lee and cross-loaded areas. Recent wind loading has created new wind slabs.
- Give cornices a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Dry
New snow and wind will increase frequency of loose dry sluffs in steep, shaded terrain. Thin ice climbs with shallow protection or tenuous run outs increase the likelihood of a long sluff-induced fall when tapping up early season ice.
- Be careful of loose dry power sluffing in steep terrain.
- Use caution above cliffs where small avalanches may have severe consequences.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Oct 31st, 2019 4:00PM
