Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Nov 15th, 2013 4:01PM
The alpine rating is Wind Slabs and Storm Slabs.
, the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems includeThe hazard is rising. The areas with enough snow to ski are also the features that will be the most likely places for triggering these avalanches. Ice climbers should be aware of increased loading going on above them over the next few days. CJ
Summary
Weather Forecast
Another 10-15cm of snow is expected over the next couple of days. Temperatures will begin falling as the winds shift to the NW with overnight lows near -18'C. Gusty winds will continue for the next 24 hrs and then ease off slightly.
Snowpack Summary
20-40cm of storm slab exists above treeline with moderate West winds loading N and E aspects and forming soft and hard wind slabs. Near Lake Louise the Nov 13 sun crust can be found on steep solar aspects. In the alpine the Oct 27 melt freeze crust near the base of the snowpack continues to provide a good sliding layer over the basal facets.
Avalanche Summary
Storm slabs on lee and cross loaded features have been easily triggered by skiers or explosives over the past 24 hours up to size 2. These are running in the storm snow and on the Oct 27 melt freeze crust or basal facets, and in some locations on a Nov 13 sun crust. Cornices are fragile and growing, and several recent failures have been observed.
Confidence
Problems
Wind Slabs
New snow and moderate W winds have created slabs that are susceptible to human triggering especially in the alpine. These areas may be tempting for skiers as they have greater snow depth than the surrounding terrain.
- Use caution in lee areas in the alpine. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets. Be aware of wide variation in snowpack depth
Aspects: North, North East, East.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Storm Slabs
In some alpine areas there is enough new snow that storm slab failures have been observed. These have been failing on the new snow interfaces or on the basal facets. Give this some time to settle out before entering committing terrain.
- The new snow will requires several days to settle and stabilize.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Nov 16th, 2013 4:00PM