Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Nov 24th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Persistent Slabs.
Parks Canada/Parcs Canada,
Avalanche Canada
Fresh snow has improved ski conditions in the Icefields, but lingering windslabs exist and there is significant uncertainty around the Oct crust.
It’s a good time to let the snowpack form and take a conservative approach to early-season fun.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Several size 1 loose dry avalanches out of steep rocky terrain were reported Saturday as the sun poked out. One of these pulling a windslab resulting in a sz 1.5.
On Friday, Sunshine Ski Hill had several results failing on the October crust. A small hand charge triggered a size 2.5, a skier triggered a size 2, and a number of other results.
Please consider helping forecasters and your backcountry community by submitting your observations to the Mountain Information Network.
Snowpack Summary
Recent storm snow sits on old windslabs and a faceted midpack. There is a thin crust 20-30cm below the surface, as well as a notable 5-15 cm thick crust from October near the base of the snowpack, surrounded by facets above and below. There is a lot of uncertainty about this layer in regards to the triggerability and the distribution.
Snow depth at Treeline is approx. 70 cm tapering off rapidly below. Alpine ~80 cm with variability due to wind redistributing the snow
Weather Summary
Monday
Cloudy with sunny periods. High -8 °C with winds from the southwest 10 km/h. Freezing level at valley bottom.
Tuesday
Cloudy with sunny periods. Low -15 °C and a High -11 °C with winds from the west 15 km/h. Freezing level at valley bottom.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
- Fresh snow rests on a problematic persistent slab, don't let good riding lure you into complacency.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Be mindful of newly formed windslabs if the wind picks up. Older windslabs are also still present and could be sitting on a crust or facets, which may increase their potential for triggering.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Persistent Slabs
The Oct 18 crust is found just above the ground with weak facets above and below it. There’s uncertainty around its distribution and triggerability. More activity has been observed to the south, but limited observations make it hard to predict when and where it may be a problem.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Nov 25th, 2024 4:00PM
