Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 30th, 2018 4:00PM

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

Parks Canada snow safety, Parks Canada

There was a skier triggered avalanche near the Lake Louise ski hill Nov 30. We still don't have very good information from this zone due to access.

Summary

Weather Forecast

Slowly cooling temps and maybe some cold outflow (low teens) on Saturday, and Sunday. There should be some flurries associated with outflowing air.

Snowpack Summary

The October 26 crust is found ~10-30 cm above the ground. A generally faceted snowpack averages 40-85 cm at 2200m across the region. 60-70 cm of snow at Takakkaw Falls parking area today. Good looking snow but still a bit weedy.

Avalanche Summary

The Lake Louise Ski area had a slackcountry remote triggered size 2 avalanche. It occurred near treeline and indicates the need for consideration of the deeper weaknesses despite the generally improving conditions.

Confidence

Problems

Deep Persistent Slabs

An icon showing Deep Persistent Slabs
Within the past week there have been occasional reports of skier remote and explosive triggered slabs on the Oct 26 crust & facet layer. Avoid steep terrain where a stiffer, more cohesive slab exists over the weaker snow at the base of the snowpack.
If you are increasing your exposure to avalanche terrain, do it gradually as you gather information.Whumpfing is direct evidence of a buried instability.

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Dec 1st, 2018 4:00PM