Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 19th, 2012 8:54AM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Storm Slabs.

Parks Canada jim phillips, Parks Canada

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Summary

Weather Forecast

Southwesterly flow will continue to bring precipitation to the interior through Wednesday. Up to 35mm is possible. Freezing levels will be near 1500m and strong SW wind is forecast.

Snowpack Summary

10 of new snow. November crust layers are buried about 60 to 70 cm in sheltered areas. Extreme southerly winds early Sunday produced windslabs on northerly aspects in the alpine and treeline.

Avalanche Summary

Several natural avalanches were observed yesterday. These occurred in steep north facing alpine terrain and ran to about one-half fan.

Confidence

Timing, track, or intensity of incoming weather system is uncertain

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Moderate to strong S-SW winds on Sunday  and 20 cm of storm snow has created new windslab in open exposed areas. Conditions have become more touchy up high and large avalanches have been observed recently.
Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
Expect a storm slab to develop as heavy precipitation, strong wind and mild temperatures are forecast Monday night and Tuesday.
Avoid all avalanche terrain during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind, or rain.

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Nov 20th, 2012 8:54AM