Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 28th, 2021 3:00PM

The alpine rating is high, the treeline rating is considerable, and the below treeline rating is moderate. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.

Avalanche Canada matt, Avalanche Canada

Very poor avalanche conditions at the moment. With continued snow and rain, expect the avalanche hazard to remain high. Avoid travel in avalanche terrain.

Summary

Confidence

High -

Weather Forecast

Snow and rain will taper tonight and stop by the 4 or 5am. The freezing level is all over the place right now, so predicting rain or snow is tricky. According to the forecast, we will get 4-6 cm yet. Temperatures will fall as the storm blows itself out, which is a good thing. The snowpack will refreeze and tighten up. Alpine winds will drop from extreme, but still be strong and from the west. 

Avalanche Summary

A widespread natural cycle occurred today. Visibility was limited, but sizes were up to sz3 and running full path. 

Snowpack Summary

Rain and wet snow was the theme of the day. We had reports of rain as high as 2500m for a short period. Any snow that came in, came in wet and heavy with winds. Windslabs developed very quickly, which did trigger a natural cycle. At the moment, we are unsure of the crust's condition and reactivity, but its hard to think it would be anything other than stressed and touchy. At the time of writing this, it was still raining in the Bow Valley and Spray Road. 

Terrain and Travel

  • Approach lee and cross-loaded slopes with caution.
  • Watch for areas of hard wind slab on alpine features.
  • Ice climbers should be equipped with avalanche safety gear.
  • Avalanche hazard may have improved, but be mindful that deep instabilities are still present.
  • Avoid areas with a thin or variable snowpack.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Warm snow and wind has formed fresh slabs everywhere. Avoid steep convex or thin terrain.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Almost Certain

Expected Size

1.5 - 2.5

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs

This layer was overloaded today and reacted accordingly. We are thinking it will take a few days and cooler temperatures to for it to adjust.  

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

2 - 3

Valid until: Nov 29th, 2021 3:00PM

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