Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Nov 3rd, 2017 2:52PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
danyelle magnan,
Parks Canada
A skiff of new snow down to highway level barely covers early season hazards. Expect rugged conditions below treeline (full body armor might be a good idea). Above treeline, enough snow exists to avalanche. See Forecast Details tab.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Flurries have tapered off but the cold arctic air will stick around through the weekend. Saturday and Sunday expect a mix of sun and cloud, with temps ranging from -16 to -12'C. Fortunately the winds are expected to be light. Next week, freezing levels should gradually rise with the potential for flurries to start again on Wednesday.
Snowpack Summary
Early season snowpack conditions exist. Below 1500m, 30cm of snow covers the ground. Above 1500m snow-depths increase, with 90-120cm at and above treeline. ~25cm of snow in the past 72hrs has buried a 3cm thick crust and as slabs develop they may bond poorly. NE winds have loaded lee slopes, building deeper (and potentially more reactive) drifts.
Avalanche Summary
Natural avalanche activity continues to be observed from steep avalanche paths, such as those on the N face of Mt Cheops up the Connaught valley and off of Mt Macdonald, during periods of strong winds. Avalanches up to size 2 were observed stopping at the start of the avalanche fans.
Confidence
Problems
Wind Slabs
25cm of new snow buried the 3cm thick "halloween crust", and was redistributed by NE winds. Expect thicker, and stiffer, pockets of snow to exist in areas reverse and cross-loaded by winds. These may become increasingly reactive as temperatures warm.
Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Nov 4th, 2017 2:52PM
