Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Nov 20th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
Parks Canada/Parcs Canada,
Avalanche Canada
Be aware that stubborn wind slabs are present in the Alpine and in open Treeline features.
With limited early season options to ride, overcrowding is an issue. Avoid putting yourself below other groups, and if you are above a party, communicate with them and avoid dumping an avalanche on top of them.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Wednesday, backcountry reports of rider triggering wind slab from reverse loading winds, on S/SW aspects.
On Tuesday, we had reports of a few rider triggered slabs in the Connaught valley, size 0.5-1.5. The reactivity and distribution of these wind slabs is hard to predict.
Few small natural avalanche along the highway corridor have been observed in the last three days.
Riders are reporting minor sluffing in steep terrain.
Snowpack Summary
24 hours of N/NE winds have formed fresh wind slabs on S/SW terrain. 50 to 70 cm of settling HST sits over the November 9 crust. This crust is present up to 2100 m and higher on solar facing terrain. Moderate winds last week created wind slabs in open terrain and on lee features. These slabs are buried by 10 cm on low density snow. Below Treeline, the snowpack tapers to 40cms or less, making ski outs treacherous! Expect glaciers to have poor coverage and thin bridging.
Weather Summary
A break in the weather Thursday, before the next low pressure system brings strong winds, rising freezing levels and moderate precipitation.
Wed Night: Flurries, Alp low -9*C, light SE winds.
Thurs: Cloudy/Flurries, Alp high -2*C, light SE winds, 1200m FZL
Fri: Flurries, 10-15cm, Alp high -3*C, light SE winds gusting to strong, 1800m FZL
Sat: Flurries, 10-20 cm, Alp High -5*C, light gusting to mod winds, 1400m FZL
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect, and exposure to wind.
- Recent wind has varied in direction, so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
- Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Reverse loading winds Tuesday have created fresh slabs on S/SW terrain features in open terrain at Treeline and in the Alpine. Buried wind slabs from weekend winds can be found in exposed terrain. Use caution in steep terrain where a small avalanche could have large consequences.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Nov 21st, 2024 4:00PM
