Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 3rd, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Loose Wet, Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.
Parks Canada,
Avalanche Canada
Ice climbers watch for small wet avalanches due to the warm temperatures. Even small avalanches can be a problem in or above terrain traps.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
Old windslab avalanches were observed on Tuesday at ridge top on a flight from Tangle Ridge to Jasper. A field team in the Bald Hills ski cut released a size 1 windslab avalanche at ridgetop.
Snowpack Summary
There is likely wet surface snow to around 2200m due to above freezing temperatures. The Nov 8 crust and facets are down 20-30 cm at tree-line and below. We have also found surface hoar (6mm) down 60cm at 2500m also burried on Nov 8th. The October crust is widespread and is found near the base of the snow pack and has facets above and below. Snow depth is roughly 70 cm at treeline and tapers rapidly below.
Weather Summary
Wednesday
Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries.
Precipitation: Trace.
Alpine temperature: High 0 °C.
Ridge wind west: 10-20 km/h.
Freezing level: 2200 metres.
Thursday
Mainly cloudy.
Precipitation: Nil.
Alpine temperature: Low -6 °C, High -1 °C.
Ridge wind west: 15 km/h.
Freezing level: 1900 metres.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Be careful as you transition into wind-affected terrain.
- Seek out sheltered terrain where new snow hasn't been affected by wind.
- Small avalanches may cause climbers to fall or bury belayers and gear.
Problems
Loose Wet
Watchout for warm temperatures over the next few days especially with the shallow snowpack. Small wet avalanches can be a problem if you are exposed ice climbing or above a terrain trap.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: All elevations.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Wind Slabs
Expect windslabs at exposed ridgetop features.
Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, North West.
Elevations: Alpine.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
This layer is most reactive where it has been loaded by wind transported snow. This problem includes the Oct 18 crust and the Nov 8th crust and surface hoar. There’s uncertainty around its distribution and triggerability.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Dec 4th, 2024 4:00PM
