Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 14th, 2023 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 and Loose Dry.

Avalanche Canada GL, Avalanche Canada

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Stability tests show an easy failure near the ground under a soft windslab. It is early season conditions with a wide range of snowpack variability, many hazards are just under the surface, and limited field info means you need to make astute decisions.

Summary

Confidence

Low

Avalanche Summary

No patrol occurred Tuesday. Monday noted one size 1.5 windslab roadside Hilda ridge. Sunday's Icefield patrol noted several size 1.5-2 wind slabs. An avalanche fatality occurred Saturday in K-country and explosive control produced wind slab and loose dry avalanches up to size 2 on NE alpine aspects. Please consider submitting a MIN report.

Snowpack Summary

The Icefields received 20-40cm over the weekend plus gusting winds created wind slabs. It overlies a thin and faceted early season snowpack base. Stability tests fail easy at the base.

Weather Summary

Tuesday night will bring 5 cm of snow, -9 °C, and light gusting moderate SW winds. The following days are forecasted to be sun, flurries, light winds, -8 ° to -16 °C.

Mountain Weather Forecast https://www.avalanche.ca/weather/forecast

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid freshly wind loaded terrain features.
  • Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Snow and wind loading with gusting winds created a wind slab hazard. The team has limited snowpack observations yet tests show the base is weak and the new snow interface is uncertain. Remain vigilant for reactive and changing conditions.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Dry

An icon showing Loose Dry

Use caution in steep, sheltered areas. Ice climbers should mindful of their overhead hazard.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 15th, 2023 4:00PM