Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 6th, 2020 4:00PM

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

Garth Lemke,

Good early season ski conditions are found on low angle gully features and the travel is overall supportive. Be cautious with all slopes with very early season variable conditions.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Saturday will be mix sun and cloud and flurries. Expect -7C and 15-40km/hr NE winds. Sunday will be sunny and low -18C with high -8C with light NE winds. Monday will be sun with flurries, -12C, and light West winds. A little bit of snow may arrive Tuesday.

Snowpack Summary

Treeline conditions are generally a height of snow 30-40cm with overall supportive travel. It is comprised of 10-15cm of low density snow overlying a melt freeze crust which exists up to 2200m. The base can be low density facets formed in October. The Alpine has variable snowpack conditions. Below treeline the snow remains below threshold values.

Avalanche Summary

There were no results from Thursday's explosive control on Parkers slabs but it had not formed a slab. Friday's patrol noted one size 2.5 windslab in the alpine on the South Churchill East facing. It appeared to be cornice triggered, started loose and resulted in a slab lower down. Several other size 2 windslabs noted in Alpine E aspects.

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

On Nov 4th the zone received 10-30cm of warm snow with S shifting N winds creating some slab conditions. The season is just beginning so treat all slopes conservatively until more information is gathered.

  • Early season hazards such as rocks, trees and stumps are still visible.
  • Use conservative route selection, choose moderate angled and supported terrain with low consequence.

Aspects: North East, East, South East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2.5

Loose Dry

An icon showing Loose Dry

The storm snow on North steep aspects is lacking cohesion and can result in loose dry avalanches.

  • Avoid terrain traps, such as gullies, where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.

Aspects: North, North East, North West.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 7th, 2020 4:00PM