Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Nov 15th, 2015 4:00PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Storm Slabs and Loose Dry.
aaron beardmore,
Avalanche Canada
A natural cycle is tapering off as of Sunday. Remain vigilant on Monday as human triggering will remain likely on Monday. Ice Climbers: Be wary of steep gully features.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Another small storm will give the region about 20cm of snow on Tuesday. Likely, this will keep danger ratings elevated. Wednesday an arctic high pressure will start to develop bringing very cold temperatures to the region. We expect the cold temps to slow down any natural avalanche cycle that may develop as a result of Tuesday's storm.
Snowpack Summary
85cm of snow on the ground at tree line near Bow Summit today. 10-15cm of that fell overnight. The snowpack in this area lacks cohesion, and forecasters were routinely breaking through to the ground. Snowpack tests produced moderate results, the failure being right on the ground. Nov 5 and 11 layers found 15cm and 30cm from ground respectively.
Avalanche Summary
Observations near Bow Summit today indicate a widespread loose/dry avalanche cycle. They ran from steep gullies and poured out onto the fans below (up to size 2). Additionally two substantial avalanches to ground were reported near the Lake Louise ski area. The Lipalian slide path produced a size 2.5 and West Bowl avalanched size 2.
Confidence
Problems
Storm Slabs
50-70cm of recent snow is settling into a 50-60cm slab sitting over a mix of surface hoar, facets and sun crust near the ground. Combined with wind loading in open areas, this is creating ideal conditions for human triggered slabs in steep terrain.
- Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.
- The new snow will require several days to settle and stabilize.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Loose Dry
The new snow combined with the increasing winds on Sunday will continue to sluff in steep terrain. Ice climbers in particular should watch for sluffing in gullies and confined terrain.
- The volume of sluffing could knock you over; choose your climb carefully and belay when exposed.
- Avoid travelling on ledges and cliffs where sluffing may have severe consequences.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Nov 16th, 2015 4:00PM
