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Avalanche Forecast

Archived

Nov 22nd, 2022–Nov 24th, 2022

Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Below Threshold.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Below Threshold.
Alpine
Natural avalanches unlikely, human triggered possible.
Treeline
Natural avalanches unlikely.
Below Treeline
Below Threshold.

Regions

Lake Louise.

A few cm of new snow with increasing winds will slowly increase the hazard in steep lee alpine terrain over the next day or two. Early season conditions remain with a thin snowpack, lots of variability in snow depth, and plenty of lurking hazards to hit.

Confidence

Moderate

Avalanche Summary

Lake Louise ski area reported triggering a few size 2 wind slabs from high alpine leeward terrain with explosives. Most of these avalanches scrubbed to the ground and entrained facets as they progressed downslope.

Snowpack Summary

Lots of wind-affected surfaces in alpine and open treeline areas. Surface hoar growth is occurring and a sun crust can be found on some steep south aspects near treeline. The thin snowpack continues to facet with the cool temperatures. 40-70 cm of total snow at treeline throughout the region, with up to 120 cm in loaded alpine features. Below treeline, the snowpack is generally below the threshold for avalanches.

Weather Summary

Some light snow will arrive with an incoming SW flow developing on Tuesday. 5 cm is expected in areas like Little Yoho, Kootenay and along the Continental Divide by the end of the day. Localized areas may see up to 10 cm depending on how the storm plays out. Winds will increase into the moderate to strong range from the SW. Freezing levels will remain at valley bottom.

For more information specific to the forecast region, see https://avalanche.ca/weather/forecast

More details can be found in the Mountain Weather Forecast.

Terrain and Travel Advice

  • Watch for newly formed and reactive wind slabs as you transition into wind affected terrain.

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.