Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 22nd, 2014 8:25AM

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

ali haeri, Parks Canada

Glacier.

The winter permit system is not yet in effect. Click here for more information. Our first significant snowfall in some time with new surface hoar that has just been buried in addition to a buried crust. Our snowpack does not inspire confidence.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Snow will continue to fall with associated south winds until this afternoon when it will taper off until tomorrow. A second system is expected to arrive to the interior bringing light to moderate amounts. Temperatures are expected to hover around -5 and -10 at 1900m.

Snowpack Summary

30cm of storm snow overlies the Nov 21 surface hoar layer at tree line elevations. The surface hoar crystals were observed to be much larger below tree line so once the slab overtop stiffens up, expect it to be more reactive at lower elevations on smooth open slopes. Nov 9 rain crust is down 50-60cm and the Nov 3 crust is down ~70-80cm.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations on Sunday

Problems

Storm Slabs

30cm of new storm snow sits over a surface hoar layer. The slab will be more reactive where the wind has gotten to it. The winds have just begun to ramp up into the moderate range this morning.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Dry

Expect fast sluffing in steep terrain. Exercise good terrain management to avoid getting caught in terrain traps, overtop cliffs or in gullies.

Be aware of party members below you that may be exposed to your sluffs.