Moderate to strong SW winds have built fresh wind slabs in the alpine and in open treeline features. As you move into wind-affected terrain, take the time to assess each slope carefully.
The snowpack is building around the Icefields but early season conditions still persist across most of the region.
Human triggered windslabs in steep alpine terrain were reported Thursday (20th) Even though these are thin they are large enough to have serious consequence in steep terrain.
A few size 1 human triggered wind slab avalanches were reported on Thursday 20th in steep alpine terrain.
The snowpack is highly variable across the region. The Icefields area has 50-80 cm at tree line and the Maligne area has 10-15 cm. Since the Nov 13 storm, moderate to strong SW winds have transported snow in open areas, and Nov 18 brought up to 5 mm, falling as rain at tree line and below. There is not yet much information available about the early season snowpack structure, so be sure to dig down and investigate if you're heading out, and post your observations to the MIN!
Saturday
Snowfall amounts ~7 cm. Alpine temperature: High -3 °C. Mostly light ridge wind occasionally gusting to 35 km/h. Freezing level: 1700 metres.
Sunday
Snowfall amounts ~12 cm. Alpine temperature: Low -6 °C, High -3 °C. Mostly light ridge wind occasionally gusting to 35 km/h. Freezing level: 1500 metres.
