Watch for wind slabs in lee alpine areas. These slabs are likely smaller in size but can have significant consequences for climbers and skiers in very steep terrain. The snowpack has a supportive crust below 2300m, but is thin with many early-season hazards.
Wind slab development has occurred due to previous winds accompanying the 15-20+ cm of snow on Nov 13th. 20-50 cm thick slabs can be expected in alpine lees.
There were some explosive-triggered avalanches at Lake Louise ski hill today. They were up to 50cm deep and to size 1.5 in alpine lees. There was evidence of natural avalanches during the Nov 13 storm to size 1.5, but activity has tapered.
0-5cm fell overnight, and 15-20+cm fell at treeline and above on Nov 13. Previous moderate-to-strong S-W winds have developed alpine wind slabs. Snow pack depths taper rapidly below 1800m. Expect a supportive rain crust below 2200-2300m.
Mild temperatures will continue over the next few days with valley bottom temperatures going above freezing, and alpine temperatures staying around -5C. Light to Moderate SW winds, and zero to trace amounts of snow.
