Avalanche Forecast

Friday night: low of -10 at 1500m with 5 to 20cm of snow with the higher amounts in the North of the region. Winds in the North will be strong from the West. Winds in the South will be moderate from the Southwest. 

Saturday: light snow, up to 5cm, ending in late afternoon. High of -8 at 1500m. Winds will be Moderate from the Northwest.

Sunday: No new snow expected, temperature at 1500m -16, winds will be Moderate to Strong from the Northwest.

Monday: Some light flurries starting in the late afternoon. High of -14 at 1500m and strong Northwest winds.

A few large avalanches were observed in the Southeast corner of the region. These avalanches ran on a deep persistent layer, likely one of the crusts from late October or early November.

Several size 1-2 wind slabs were reported on North and Northeast aspects. These avalanches likely ran in the recent storm.

Wind slabs will be found in wind exposed terrain in the treeline and alpine. A new crust exists below 1700m. The mid November rain crust can be found down 1m.

The lower snowpack consists of a series of early season crusts. These appear to be strong, but shallow alpine slopes along the eastern side of the Rockies towards Jasper may have weaker, faceted snow near the ground. Avoid thick to thin areas where you are more likely to be able to trigger this deeper instability. 

Snowpack depths are anticipated to be approaching 3 m in the alpine and around 150cm at treeline. Pine Pass area is currently the leader for snowpack depths.

• Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.