Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Nov 14th, 2018–Nov 15th, 2018

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

Below Threshold

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

Below Threshold

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold

Alpine

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be considerable

Treeline

3: Considerable

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be considerable

Below Treeline

Below Threshold

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold

Regions: Jasper.

While incoming snow will improve the ski quality it will also increase the avalanche hazard. Keep in mind that early season hazards still lurk below the shallow snowpack.

Weather Forecast

Click here

for the Avalanche Canada mountain weather forecast.

Snowpack Summary

The Oct. 25th crust/facet combo remains the main concern. This layer is buried an average of 20 to 55cm, and is present on most slopes with sufficient snowpack for safe skiing - we expect this layer to linger for sometime. Forecasted snow and strong winds will add more load to this weak layer as well as create new windslabs at higher elevations.

Avalanche Summary

Last week the Oct 25th layer produced some large natural avalanches (up to size 2.5) throughout the Rockies from as far south as Kananaskis Country, north to Yoho, the Icefields, Jasper and Marmot Basin Ski Hill.

Confidence

Intensity of incoming weather systems is uncertain on Thursday

Avalanche Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

Best to assume all skiable slopes have this layer, and assess the strength of this interface before committing to a line. With forecasted snow values adding more load to the snowpack expect this weak layer to become more reactive through the storm.

Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, and shooting cracks.Carefully evaluate terrain features by digging and testing on adjacent, safe slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1.5 - 2.5

Wind Slabs

Forecasted snow and strong winds will likely develop a reactive windslab through the weekend

Use caution in lee areas in the alpine and treeline. Recent storm snow has formed wind slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible - Likely

Expected Size: 1 - 2