Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 5th, 2019 3:00PM

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

Alberta Parks jeremy.mackenzie, Alberta Parks

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Possibly more snow on the east side of the region due to the up-slope storm. There is definitely now enough snow to be concerned with from an avalanche perspective. Winter is here!

Summary

Confidence

Low -

Weather Forecast

Another 5 to 10cm of snow is possible before this storm blows out. A return to milder temperatures is expected for the rest of the week. Winds have been light to moderate during the storm with some wind from the NE.

Avalanche Summary

Isolated loose dry avalanches up to size 1.5 in steep Alpine terrain on N and E aspects have occurred in the past 48 hours.

Snowpack Summary

Up to 10cm of drier snow today fell on 10 to 20cm of generally heavy, wet snow yesterday. Wind loading is evident in lee and cross-loaded terrain in the Alpine and upper Treeline elevations. Minor reverse wind-loading is possible due to the recent NE winds. The early season crust is located approximately 10cm above the ground and is reported to be supportive to skiers weight in some locations. Basal facets exist below the crust.

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs

Recent wind and snow have formed slabs on lee and cross-loaded terrain such as gully features. Some reverse wind loading is also possible from the NE winds.

  • Be careful with wind loaded pockets while approaching and climbing ice routes.
  • Use caution in lee areas. Recent wind loading has created wind slabs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Dry

An icon showing Loose Dry

Recent snow has added a loose dry problem. Confined or exposed terrain is a concern, such as gullies, cliff edges and ledgy terrain. Ice climbers should be wary of overhead terrain.

  • Carry avalanche safety equipment on ice climbs in avalanche terrain.
  • Minimize overhead exposure during periods of heavy loading from new snow, wind.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 1.5

Valid until: Nov 6th, 2019 2:00PM