Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 3rd, 2019 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs and Wind Slabs.
deryl kelly,
Parks Canada
Avoid areas where wind loading is present and/or observable during the storm.
Periodic highway closures (up to 1.5 hours) on Highway 93N near the Icefields for Avalanche Control. Check Alberta 511 for details.
Summary
Weather Forecast
A Pacific front, laden with moisture will pass over the park bringing snow and strong Westerly winds for the next 24hrs. By midday Wednesday conditions will clear and freezing levels along with the winds will fall rapidly.
Details here: Mountain Weather Forecast.
Snowpack Summary
New snow falling on to a mix of surfaces; surface facets, surface hoar, and previous windslab and/or hard wind pressed surfaces. New building windslabs in exposed areas in the alpine and treeline. Oct. and Nov. crusts preserved in the mid and lower snowpack; both seem have a good bond to the overlaying snow.
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches observed or reported.
Confidence
Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain on Wednesday
Problems
Storm Slabs
Building storm slab with new precipitation and wind through the region.
- Minimize overhead exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
New wind slab will continue to build over the next 12 hours in all open areas with moderate to strong west/south-west winds. Ice Climbers should be especially observant to wind loading patterns when choosing a venue for the day.
- Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 4th, 2019 4:00PM
