Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Nov 16th, 2023 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Dry.
PW,
Avalanche Canada
Strong winds have cause an uptick in natural activity and increased the amount of snow in avalanche start zones. With strong winds in the forecast, natural avalanche activity can be expected to continue.
Early Season Conditions persist.
Summary
Confidence
Avalanche Summary
With the strong winds this morning there was an increase in natural avalanche activity. Both Sunshine and Lake Louise ski hill's reported natural activity up to size 2.5. Lake Louise ski hill saw a dramatic increase in activity as multiple avalanches occurred as the winds became strong this morning. While we have limited observations, ski hills are reporting that wind slabs are likely failing on the late October crust and are very sensitive to human and natural triggers.
Snowpack Summary
It's still very much early season. With 30-50 cm at tree line and 50-80 cm in the alpine, there are still many early season hazards lurking below the snow's surface.
Wind slabs at tree line and in the alpine have been sensitive to human triggering and also failed naturally. Additionally, steep terrain in the alpine may still be produce loose snow avalanches.
Forecasters are still working with limited observations.
Weather Summary
Winds will continue to be strong tonight and into tomorrow. Expect partially cloudy skies and trace amounts of snow Friday, with the next front arriving on Saturday. Mild temperature are expected tomorrow, with an alpine high of -2C.
For more info, please see the Mountain Weather Forecast.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be careful with wind slabs, especially in steep, unsupported and/or convex terrain features.
- Ice climbers should be equipped with avalanche safety gear.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Wind slabs up to size 2.5 can be expected in the alpine and exposed tree-line locations. Depending on the area, many of these will sit over basal facets and/ or a melt/freeze crust.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Dry
Ice climbers pay attention to terrain traps as sluffs may run a significant distance in steep or confined terrain.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Nov 17th, 2023 4:00PM
