Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 16th, 2016 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.

garth lemke, Parks Canada

Jasper.

Highway 93 will be closed Thursday at Parkers ridge to Big Bend from 1145 to 1500hrs for explosive control work. Expect delays.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Light flurries and no significant snow now to Monday. Winds will be light Westerly to Southwesterly. Temperatures will range -5 to -15.

Snowpack Summary

20cm of storm snow sits on top of a 10cm thick laminated crust at tree line, below the crust is 20-30cm of moist snow to ground. Pockets of wind slab exist in the alpine and may rest on the crust where it's expected to exist up to 2600m. Below tree line is un-skiable due to lack of snow and early season conditions exist at all elevations.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanche activity noted on Tuesday and no signs of instability in the Parker Ridge area. Banff had a near miss Tuesday with an iceclimber taking a 300m ride in a size 2 slab. This is noteworthy to remain vigilant where localized winds can form slabs.

Confidence

Wind effect is extremely variable

Problems

Wind Slabs

Isolated pockets of wind slab below ridge line in the Alpine is buried by 20cm of recent storm snow.

Early season hazards such as rocks, trees and stumps are still visible.Use caution in lee areas. Wind loading could create slabs.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 17th, 2016 4:00PM