Avalanche Forecast
Issued: Nov 21st, 2019 4:20PM
The alpine rating is , the treeline rating is , and the below treeline rating is Known problems include Loose Dry and Deep Persistent Slabs.
Brian Webster,
Parks Canada
Snowpack is still shallow. Pay attention to rocks hiding just below the surface.
Summary
Weather Forecast
Friday will be mixed sun and cloud with no snow expected. Day time high in Lake Louise area will be around -2. Light snow begins on Saturday.
Snowpack Summary
15-30 cm of facetted snow overtop of a melt freeze crust from early November (crust only exists below 2300 m). Below this crust unconsolidated facets exist to ground. Treeline snow depths range from 50-80 cm, with up to 110 cm in wind loaded alpine areas. Isolated areas of wind slab exist at ridgetops and cross loaded features.
Avalanche Summary
On field trip to Bow Summit several loose dry avalanches observed from steep, rocky alpine terrain to size 1.5. These appeared to be triggered by solar warming.
Confidence
Problems
Loose Dry
Loose snow avalanches triggered by the sun can be expected out of steep rocky terrain.
- Minimize exposure to steep, sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong.
Aspects: South, South West, West.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Deep Persistent Slabs
The lower snowpack consists of weak facets. There is potential for avalanches to step down to this deeper layer.
- Convex features and steep unsupported slopes will be most prone to triggering.
Aspects: All aspects.
Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.
Likelihood
Expected Size
Valid until: Nov 22nd, 2019 4:00PM
