Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 15th, 2017 3:00PM

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

Alberta Parks mike.koppang, Alberta Parks

We are expecting some new snow over the next few days but models call from 5-20cm.  If 20cm arrives, expect Alpine areas to approach considerable hazard. 

Summary

Confidence

Moderate -

Weather Forecast

Models differ on amounts but it looks as if we will get between 10-15 cm of snow over the next 36hrs.  Winds are forecast to remain moderate before the pelting winds come later in the week.  Watch for windslabs to continue to build and if the forecast amounts are at the higher end of what is forecast we may even see the danger in Alpine terrain start to approach considerable.

Avalanche Summary

There have been a few reports of smaller avalanches in Alpine features along ridgelines and in morainal terrain. Ice climbing we have noticed a few pockets of windslabs along routes.

Snowpack Summary

A few cms of new snow has fallen over the past 36hrs but not enough to cause a significant change in overall avalanche danger. Windslabs can be found along ridgelines and in gullied terrain in Alpine areas and isolated features at treeline that may be reactive to a skiers weight. Below treeline, most areas are still below the threshold values for avalanches to occur. Our main layer in the snowpack at this time is the Halloween crust down 20-50cm. We have limited field observations on this crust at this time due to rugged travel at lower elevations. Ice climbers need to be aware of slabs in gullied terrain and at the base of routes.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Fresh wind slab development will continue through the night and day on Thursday in lee and cross-loaded terrain. Be wary of these slabs immediately below ridge-crests and on exposed terrain between pitches of ice climbs.
Be very cautious with gully features.Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.Avoid lee and cross-loaded terrain near ridge crests.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 16th, 2017 2:00PM