Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 29th, 2012 8:05AM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Storm Slabs and Wind Slabs.

sylvia forest, Parks Canada

Glacier.

The stable conditions we have been enjoying may not last. Incoming moderate to heavy precipitation over the weekend is expected to make the upper snowpack more reactive to skier triggering. Pay attention to changing conditions.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Mild alpine temperatures, with light to moderate precipitation will dominate throughout the day, accompanied by moderate to strong south winds. The moist southerly flow will continue through Friday and into the weekend.

Snowpack Summary

A dusting of 10 cm of new snow at treeline elevations overnight has blanketed a layer of facets, surface hoar and a sun crust. The mid-pack remains strong, however the Nov. 6 and Nov. 16 crusts can still be found. Isolated wind slabs persist.

Avalanche Summary

A few moist loose snow avalanches were observed on solar aspects yesterday, coinciding with the appearance of the sun.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain on Friday

Problems

Storm Slabs

10 cm of storm snow now lies on top of a layer of surface hoar, and on southerly aspects, a sun crust. There is not yet enough load to create a widespread problem, but more snow over the weekend may change this rapidly.

Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.Avoid travelling on ledges and cliffs where sluffing may have severe consequences.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Wind Slabs

Pockets of wind slab exist above treeline.� Recent NE winds may have created reverse loading, so be attentive on all aspects today, especially when above cliffs or terrain traps.

Avoid freshly wind loaded features.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Nov 30th, 2012 8:00AM