Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 13th, 2023 4:00PM

The alpine rating is considerable, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is below threshold. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Loose Dry.

Avalanche Canada GL, Avalanche Canada

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20-30cm snow arrived Saturday plus additional 20cm on Monday with gusting winds. Be vigilant for wind slabs and dry loose avalanches in steep alpine and sheltered terrain. It is early season conditions with limited field info, thus you need to make astute decisions.

Summary

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Monday noted one size 1.5 windslab roadside Hilda ridge. Sunday's Icefield patrol noted several size 1.5-2 wind slabs. An avalanche fatality occurred Saturday in K-country and explosive control produced wind slab and loose dry avalanches up to size 2 on NE alpine aspects. Please consider submitting a MIN report.

Snowpack Summary

20-30cm of new snow on Saturday with another 10cm on Monday plus gusting winds created wind slabs. It overlies a thin and faceted early season snowpack base. Stability tests fail easy at the base.

Weather Summary

Monday will bring 8 cm of snow, -3 °C, and gusting 55 km/h winds. Flurries and gusting winds will continue overnight. Expect flurries, 5cm of snow, and SW gusting 55 km/h winds on Tuesday. Colder temperatures and gusting winds will continue through Wednesday. It could be -18 °C on Thursday.

Mountain Weather Forecast https://www.avalanche.ca/weather/forecast

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Avoid freshly wind loaded terrain features.
  • Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn't formed a slab.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Snow and wind loading with gusting winds created a wind slab hazard. The team has limited snowpack observations yet tests show the base is weak and the new snow interface is uncertain. Remain vigilant for touchy and changing conditions.

Aspects: North, North East, East, South East, West, North West.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Dry

An icon showing Loose Dry

Use caution in steep, sheltered areas. Ice climbers should mindful of their overhead hazard.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 14th, 2023 4:00PM