Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Nov 30th, 2021 4:16PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs, Deep Persistent Slabs and Loose Dry.
Marcus Waring,
Heavy snowfall and strong winds will dramatically increase the avalanche hazard overnight. The Icefields Parkway is now closed from Athabasca Falls to Saskatchewan Crossing.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Tonight: 20cm Snow with and alpine low of -4 C. Ridge wind southwest: 30 gusting to 60 km/h. Freezing level 1600 m
Wednesday: 15cm snow with and alpine high of -1. Ridge wind west: 20 gusting to 65 km/h. Freezing level 2100m
Thursday: Cloudy with sunny periods and isolated flurries. Ridge wind west: gusting to 55 km/h. Freezing level 1600m
Snowpack Summary
Incoming storm snow will fall over recently formed wind slabs on all but SW aspects. The mid-pack is around 80cm thick above a thin crust near the ground in some locations. Snowpack is shrinking rapidly at lower elevations.
Avalanche Summary
Multiple, natural wet loose Avalanches up to Size 2 observed on the Icefields parkway this afternoon. Explosive control on Parker Slabs on Monday produced thin wind slabs not propagating far. A widespread natural avalanche cycle is expected throughout the incoming storm.
Confidence
Problems
Storm Slabs
- If triggered the storm slabs may step down to deeper layers resulting in large avalanches.
- Avoid avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow and wind.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
The average 1 meter snowpack has a crust near the ground surrounded by weakening large grain facets. This is a layer to watch as our neighbors are experiencing activity on it.
- Use caution on open slopes and convex rolls
- Avoid thin rocky or unsupported terrain features.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Dry
- Be careful of loose dry sluffing in steep, confined or exposed terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 1st, 2021 4:00PM
