Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Nov 3rd, 2016–Nov 4th, 2016

Alpine

Below Threshold.

Treeline

Below Threshold.

Below Treeline

Below Threshold.

Alpine

Below Threshold.

Treeline

Below Threshold.

Below Treeline

Below Threshold.

Alpine

Below Threshold.

Treeline

Below Threshold.

Below Treeline

Below Threshold.

Regions

Jasper.

Weather Forecast

Westerly flow will bring moderate to strong SW winds to treeline. Temperatures will warm over the weekend and into next week with the freezing levels rising to treeline and above. Up to 10mm of precipitation may fall on Sunday evening in the Icefields area.

Snowpack Summary

The snowpack is shallow with rocks and vegetation presenting hazards. The early season conditions exist at treeline and above. There is no significant snow below 1,800m. At treeline snow depths are close to 60cm.Slab avalanche conditions exist on open wind loaded Northerly facing slopes at treeline and above. The mid / lower snowpack is supportive.

Avalanche Summary

Avalanche observations have been limited to Northerly alpine features. Several size two and one larger size 2.5 were reported from the icerfields area during early November. These are mostly thought to be thin slabs or point releases from steep and unskiable terrain and of more concern to climbers than skiers.

Confidence

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind Slab avalanches are the release of a cohesive layer of snow (a slab) formed by the wind. Wind typically transports snow from the upwind sides of terrain features and deposits snow on the downwind side. Wind slabs are often smooth and rounded and sometimes sound hollow, and can range from soft to hard. Wind slabs that form over a persistent weak layer (surface hoar, depth hoar, or near-surface facets) may be termed Persistent Slabs or may develop into Persistent Slabs.