Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Nov 22nd, 2022 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
AB,
Avalanche Canada
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.
Summary
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.
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
Expected Size
Valid until: Nov 24th, 2022 4:00PM
