Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 3rd, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Deep Persistent Slabs and Wind Slabs.
Parks Canada,
Avalanche Canada
Some fresh wind-slabs can be expected in immediate alpine lees on Wednesday. Keep the deep persistent layers in mind, especially on large alpine slopes.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Lake Louise patrol reported one skier controlled cornice that triggered a size 1 wind slab in the immediate lee of an alpine ridge.
Snowpack Summary
The early-season snowpack at treeline measures 50-90 cm. In the alpine there is scouring on windward slopes and some fresh loading on immediate lee aspects. A surface crust or moist snow may exist on south aspects below 2500m. The November crust lies mid-pack on south aspects, while the main concern is the October crust near the ground on north aspects, where facets and depth hoar are forming. The snowpack is generally weak and facetted.
Weather Summary
Mild temperatures and moderate winds with a possible above freezing layer in the alpine are the theme for Wednesday. Winds are expected to become strong by Friday. Valley bottom temperatures will rise to just above freezing. Winds will be in the 30-40 km/h range on Wednesday and becoming stronger on Thursday.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Pay attention to the wind; once it starts to blow, sensitive wind slabs are likely to form.
- Be mindful that deep instabilities are still present in the snowpack.
Problems
Deep Persistent Slabs
The October and November crusts, on north and south aspects respectively, are still producing isolated slab avalanches down about 50-80 cm. Be mindful on steep, rocky alpine slopes where triggering is most likely.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
Recent winds and forecasted strong winds winds are expected to form fresh wind slabs on lee slopes in the alpine. If triggered, these slabs could entrain facets, leading to longer-than-expected runouts.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 4th, 2024 4:00PM
