Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Nov 22nd, 2022–Nov 24th, 2022

Alpine

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

Below Threshold

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

Below Threshold

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

Below Threshold

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold

Regions: Lake Louise.

A few cm of new snow with increasing winds will slowly increase the hazard in steep lee alpine terrain over the next day or two. Early season conditions remain with a thin snowpack, lots of variability in snow depth, and plenty of lurking hazards to hit.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Lake Louise ski area reported triggering a few size 2 wind slabs from high alpine leeward terrain with explosives. Most of these avalanches scrubbed to the ground and entrained facets as they progressed downslope.

Snowpack Summary

Lots of wind-affected surfaces in alpine and open treeline areas. Surface hoar growth is occurring and a sun crust can be found on some steep south aspects near treeline. The thin snowpack continues to facet with the cool temperatures. 40-70 cm of total snow at treeline throughout the region, with up to 120 cm in loaded alpine features. Below treeline, the snowpack is generally below the threshold for avalanches.

Weather Summary

Some light snow will arrive with an incoming SW flow developing on Tuesday. 5 cm is expected in areas like Little Yoho, Kootenay and along the Continental Divide by the end of the day. Localized areas may see up to 10 cm depending on how the storm plays out. Winds will increase into the moderate to strong range from the SW. Freezing levels will remain at valley bottom.

For more information specific to the forecast region, see https://avalanche.ca/weather/forecast

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

New snow and moderate to strong SW winds will start forming small wind slabs in lee areas of the alpine and in exposed treeline treeline features on Tuesday. These will form over the current faceted surface and may become more reactive in the future as a result of this interface.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 1.5