Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Nov 12th, 2017–Nov 13th, 2017

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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

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

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Jasper.

A pulse of snow is expected Monday at higher elevations, anticipate wind slab formations as this system moves through the region.

Weather Forecast

A pulse of precipitation is expected Monday bringing in 20+cm of snow to the Columbia Icefields region with lesser amount further north. Freezing levels will be around 1700m as this storm hits and will drop to valley bottom as a cold air mass pushes the system through. Wind values will be at the threshold for snow transport through the day Monday.

Snowpack Summary

Below 1700m there is no significant snow. Above 2000m an early winter snowpack exists, snow depths range from 30 to 100+ cm depending on aspects and exposure to wind. A series of crusts have helped develop a supportive snowpack allowing for relatively good ski travel. The alpine snowpack is variable, with windslab as the main avalanche problem.

Avalanche Summary

Observed no new avalanche activity on highway 93N Sunday. Climbers should still remain vigilant as even triggering a small avalanche in a gully feature or above cliffs can have severe consequences.

Confidence

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Expected wind slab formation with new snow and wind values on Monday. When traveling in the alpine take extra care in identify wind-drifted snow by observing sudden changes in the snow surface texture.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.Avoid terrain traps, such as gullies, where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2