Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 16th, 2016 8:00AM

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

chris gooliaff, Parks Canada

Glacier.

Snow levels are low in the valley bottom, while in the alpine things are near average. Early season conditions mean rocks and trees can end your day very badly, so ski/ride conservatively. It's only mid-November!

Summary

Weather Forecast

Expect mainly cloudy skies today, with minor flurries, moderate westerly winds at ridge-top, and freezing levels remaining in the valley bottom. Much the same for Thursday.

Snowpack Summary

30-35cm of new snow covers a thin, near-isothermal snowpack. Westerly winds have transported this new snow and formed soft slabs in lee features at tree-line and above. Below 2000m, snow depths are less than 70cm with many early season hazards (rocks and trees) lurking at or just below the surface.

Avalanche Summary

No new observations from Tuesday, but visibility was very poor. One size 2 avalanche (24+ hrs), W aspect, tree-line elevation, observed on McGill Shoulder on Monday. The new snow covered the crown line, but it appeared to dig deep in to the isothermal, early season snow pack.

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations

Problems

Storm Slabs

Winds to 70km/h last night have formed storm slabs at alpine and treeline elevations. 30-70cm soft slabs can be found in lee features. These sit on a soft crust and may be easier to trigger where the slabs have stiffened due to wind.

Carefully evaluate terrain features by digging and testing on adjacent, safe slopes. Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading have created wind slabs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Dry

There is enough new snow for loose avalanches to push a person over steep features. Given the thin nature of the early season snowpack, sticking to well-supported, moderate terrain would be a wise choice.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 17th, 2016 8:00AM