Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Nov 22nd, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Wind Slabs.
Parks Canada/Parcs Canada,
Avalanche Canada
Be aware that stubborn wind slabs are present in the Alpine and in open Treeline features.
With limited early season options to ride, overcrowding is an issue. Avoid putting yourself below other groups, and if you are above a party, communicate with them and avoid dumping an avalanche on top of them.
Summary
Confidence
High
Avalanche Summary
Wednesday, backcountry reports of rider triggering wind slab from reverse loading winds, on S/SW aspects.
On Tuesday, we had reports of a few rider triggered slabs in the Connaught valley, size 0.5-1.5. The reactivity and distribution of these wind slabs is hard to predict.
A few small natural avalanches along the highway corridor have been observed in the last three days.
Riders are reporting sluffing in steep terrain.
Snowpack Summary
Recent N/NE winds have formed fresh wind slabs on S/SW terrain which sits beneath 10cm of new snow. Roughly 50 to 70 cm of settling HST sits over the November 9 crust. This crust is present up to 2100 m and higher on solar facing terrain. Below Treeline, the snowpack tapers to 40cms or less, making ski outs treacherous! Expect glaciers to have poor coverage and thin bridging.
Weather Summary
A low pressure system will bring light snowfall to the region overnight Friday, before clearing late Saturday & Sunday
Sat: Trace snowfall, Alp high -4°C, W wind 10-25km/hr, 1500m freezing level(FZL)
Sun: Mixed sun and cloud with flurries, trace precip. Alp High -8°C, Low -9. Light SW winds, 1100m FZL
Mon: Mix of sun & cloudy with flurries, Alp high -7°C, Ridge wind S 10-20 km/hr, 1300m FZL
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Recent wind has varied in direction, so watch for wind slabs on all aspects.
- Be alert to conditions that change with elevation, aspect, and exposure to wind.
- Carefully evaluate steep lines for wind slabs.
Problems
Wind Slabs
Recent reverse loading created fresh wind-slabs on S/SW terrain features in open terrain at Treeline and in the Alpine. Buried wind slabs from weekend winds can be found in exposed terrain. Use caution in steep terrain where a small avalanche could have large consequences.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Nov 23rd, 2024 4:00PM
