Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Dec 5th, 2024 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Loose Wet and Deep Persistent Slabs.
Parks Canada,
Avalanche Canada
Friday is a transitional day for the weather. Temperatures are forecasted to cool near the Icefields but remain elevated around Maligne Lake before a weather system comes in on Saturday. Watchout for windslab if the wind starts moving snow around.
Summary
Confidence
Moderate
Avalanche Summary
No new avalanches have been reported.
Snowpack Summary
Variable surface conditions.10cm of moist snow or a thin melt freeze crust due to above freezing temperatures. The Nov 8th crust and facets are down 20-30 cm at tree-line and below. We have also found surface hoar (6mm) down 60cm at 2500m. 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
Friday
Cloudy with scattered flurries.
Accumulation: 4 cm.
Alpine temperature: High -3 °C.
Ridge wind southwest: 20 km/h gusting to 45 km/h.
Freezing level: 1700 metres.
Saturday
Periods of snow.
Accumulation: 13 cm.
Alpine temperature: Low -5 °C, High -4 °C.
Ridge wind southwest: 20 km/h gusting to 80 km/h.
Freezing level: 1500 metres.
Terrain and Travel Advice
- Small avalanches may cause climbers to fall or bury belayers and gear.
- Be mindful that deep instabilities are still present in the snowpack.
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
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 6th, 2024 4:00PM
