Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Nov 28th, 2022–Nov 29th, 2022

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Alpine

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.

Below Treeline

Natural avalanches unlikely.

Regions

Jasper, Brazeau, Churchill, Cirrus-Wilson, Fryatt, Icefields, Maligne, Marmot, Miette Lake, Pyramid.

Potentially weak buried surface hoar layer approximately 30cm down tree line and below in sheltered polar aspects should be carefully evaluated while in the avalanche terrain. Whumpfing and cracking have been observed on this layer of concern.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Field team in the Icefield area on Monday observed shooting cracks and whumpfing on surface hoar layer down 30 cm at tree line and below in sheltered East to Northerly aspects. Nov 27th MIN report confirms the presence of the same layer of concern in the Maligne region.Icefield Parkway and Maligne road patrol noted no new natural avalanche activity on Monday.

Snowpack Summary

25-35cm overlies a Surface hoar-Facet-crust combination layer depending on aspect and elevation. 6-10mm Surface hoar is found preserved in sheltered treeline locations. Height of snow ranges from 60 to 100cm.

Weather Summary

Monday night will be clear with cloudy periods, no new snow, -26 °C, and light winds. Tuesday conditions are a mix of sun and cloud, no new snow, -19 °C, and a light south wind.

Wednesday

Wednesday is forecasted to bring flurries, maybe 6 cm of snow, -20 to -12 °C, and light south winds. Expect cold temperatures and no new snow Thursday and Friday.

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

Approach steep open slopes at and below treeline cautiously, buried surface hoar may exist.

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.

Loose Dry

Loose Dry avalanches are the release of dry unconsolidated snow and typically occur within layers of soft snow near the surface of the snowpack. These avalanches start at a point and entrain snow as they move downhill, forming a fan-shaped avalanche. Other names for loose-dry avalanches include point-release avalanches or sluffs.