Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 21st, 2015 8:11AM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Deep Persistent Slabs.

andrew jones, Parks Canada

Glacier.

Despite the good weather and good ski conditions maintain vigilance when entering avalanche terrain.

Summary

Weather Forecast

High pressure will prevail bringing mainly clear skies and cool temperatures over the weekend. A storm with moderate snowfall amounts is forecast on Monday and Tuesday.

Snowpack Summary

Recent observations suggest that the ~1m of storm snow is settling and bonding. S-SW winds at treeline and above continue to load lee features, forming deep loaded pockets. Surface hoar layers down ~1m and 1.5m are still a concern but becoming more stubborn and hard to find. On high elevation N/NE aspects, there is a weak facetted base.

Avalanche Summary

No new activity observed.

Confidence

The weather pattern is stable

Problems

Wind Slabs

Winds since the storm have subsided, but pockets of windslab exist on lee features in the alpine and treeline.

Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Deep Persistent Slabs

On northerly alpine slopes, snow from early Sept was preserved and facetted forming a basal weakness. During the storm this week avalanches occurred on this layer. This layer was also responsible for a skier triggered size 3.5 avalanche 2 weeks ago.

Avoid shallow snowpack areas where triggering is more likely.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

3 - 4

Valid until: Nov 22nd, 2015 8:00AM