Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Dec 1st, 2019 8:00AM

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

Parks Canada Kate Ryan, Parks Canada

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Ski/ ride with care!

Recent strong northerly winds have left highly variable travel conditions in the alpine and exposed treeline. Thin snowpack conditions still exist below 1600m.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Today: A mix of sun and cloud. Freezing level at 1000m. Winds light from the south.

Tomorrow: the ridge begins to breakdown tomorrow, bringing 5 cm of snow, moderate winds from the SW, freezing levels at 900 m.

Tuesday: Storm continues with another 14 cm forecast with continued moderate SW winds.

Sunset time is currently 15:50hrs, plan accordingly.

Snowpack Summary

Cold temps are facetting the upper snowpack. Previous strong N'ly winds have redistributed last weekend's storm snow- watch for reverse loading. The main layer to watch (Nov 23rd surface hoar/ crust) is buried 25-45cm. This layer exists as a crust on all aspects below 1600m and on steep solar aspects into the alpine; surface hoar around treeline.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches reported from the highway or the backcountry in the last 4 days.

Confidence

Wind effect is extremely variable

Problems

Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Persistent Slabs

Last weekend's storm snow buried a weak surface hoar layer at treeline and below, and a crust on steep solar aspects into the alpine. Cold temps appear to have decreased slab properties in the upper snowpack, but this layer should not be discounted.

  • Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 2nd, 2019 8:00AM