Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 26th, 2017 8:00AM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is considerable. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Wet Slabs.

ian gale, Parks Canada

Glacier.

High freezing levels and heavy precipitation are forecast for today. Rain at treeline and below will destabilize the snowpack.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A significant storm today will bring up to 25 cm of snow and freezing level rising above 2000 meters. Winds are expected to be from the South at 40 k/hr. High freezing levels translates to heavy rainfall again below treeline. The stormy weather pattern will continue through the week and freezing levels are forecast to drop and stay around 1000m

Snowpack Summary

25cm of dry snow is beginning to bond to a breakable crust. Below the November 23 crust sits a weak rain-saturated snowpack. If you take your skis off, you'll likely be standing in a hole up to your waste. Strong winds during the last storm created isolated pockets of wind slab in the alpine on northerly features. October 31 crust is down 100cm.

Avalanche Summary

Three natural size 2.5's were observed from high Alpine start zones yesterday along the highway, likely triggered by recent snowfall and windloading at ridgetop. Avalanches, once initiated, are able to run far on the Nov 23rd crust.

Confidence

Freezing levels are uncertain

Problems

Storm Slabs

Heavy snowfall with wind today will build a touchy storm slab. The Nov 23rd crust will be a good bed surface for avalanches to run on. Avalanches may run far on top of this layer.

The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: All elevations.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Wet Slabs

Dry surface snow is insulating a rain-saturated wet slab that extends almost to the ground. This is a snowpack weakness that will only heal with cold. Rain at treeline and below will destabilize the snowpack further.

Use extra caution on slopes if the snow is moist or wet.Avoid steep, open slopes.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Nov 27th, 2017 8:00AM