Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 16th, 2019 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.

Parks Canada deryl kelly, Parks Canada

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Some new snow at higher elevations. This will blanket early season hazards and riders are urged to remain cautious.

Summary

Weather Forecast

A strong front will continue tracking across the bulletin region for the next 24 hours with forecasted precip through Sunday to 18mm. Freezing levels rising to over 1800m which will mean rain in the valley bottoms like the Jasper and Maligne Valleys.  For more details: Avalanche Canada's, Mountain Weather Forecast.

Snowpack Summary

Variable surfaces including temp/rain crust, wind press and loose snow sit above the recently developing November rain crust which may go as high as 2200m. Total snow pack height in alpine is around 45-85 cm. Wind pressed/scoured features to wind slabs in lee features in the high alpine. Cross loaded gulleys may threaten ice climbs from above.

Avalanche Summary

Wind transport in the high alpine peaks and ridge tops is expected to increase hazard in isolated areas.

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

New wind slabs building with the exiting storm. Suspect the problem will mostly be in the alpine at ridgetops and possible in open areas at treeline

  • Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially in steep confined alpine terrain.
  • Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.

Aspects: North, North East, East, West, North West.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 17th, 2019 4:00PM