Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 30th, 2014 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Loose Dry.

Parks Canada mike eder, Parks Canada

Size 1.5 avalanche was seen today on the right side of the weeping wall ice climb. There is still lots of storm snow lingering above ice climbs.Skiers should consider windslabs  developed near ridgetops on Easterly aspects from the recent NW winds.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Moderate to strong NW winds are redistributing the storm snow onto more Easterly aspects that may not have been previously loaded. Light snow flurries will occur through to Wednesday. Gradual warming is expected through to the end of next week.

Snowpack Summary

Total snowfall amount for this storm is 115cm and that tapers off south of Parkers Ridge. There appears to be a mid-pack weakness; likely facets, that is the most active. The entire year's snowpack is sitting over a weak base of rain crust and facets.  Additional snow loading will occur on Easterly aspects from the NW winds.

Avalanche Summary

The colder temperatures appear to have locked the snowpack down. However during the storm, an extensive avalanche cycle occurred throughout the forecast area from Maligne south to Mt Wilson up to size 3.5. Avalanche control on Highway 93 north got limited results up to sz 2.5 with numerous sympathetic releases and buried the road at two locations.

Confidence

Problems

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
Storm snow will be redistributed by predominantly NW winds at ridgetops in the high alpine and m Easterly slopes at treeline.
Use caution in lee areas in the alpine. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Loose Dry

An icon showing Loose Dry
These have tapered off, but could still release from steep rocky bluffs and side slopes of gully features
Avoid travelling under cliffs that are exposed to sluffing from above.Avoid travelling under cliffs that are exposed to sluffing from above.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 1st, 2014 4:00PM