Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 24th, 2013 8:45AM

The alpine rating is moderate, the treeline rating is moderate, and the below treeline rating is low. Known problems include Wind Slabs, Persistent Slabs and Loose Wet.

bcorrigan, Avalanche Canada

South Columbia.

This forecast was produced with limited data. If you have field information please send it to:forecaster@avalanche.ca

Summary

Confidence

Poor - Due to the number and quality of field observations

Weather Forecast

A ridge of high pressure continues to dominate over southern BC for the next few days with no precipitation in sight for the forecast period. Warmer temperatures at upper elevations and associated valley fog is developing over the southern interior with freezing levels expected to go up to 3100 M. Valleys will remain cool with pooling of cold air, forecast winds at upper elevations are forecast to be light to moderate for the region.

Avalanche Summary

Wet sluffs and pin-wheeling have been reported on S facing alpine slopes above 1700 M with the recent temperature inversion. No other reports of recent avalanche activity have been received. This may speak more to the lack of reported observations rather than actual conditions. If you have information please feel free to contact us at: forecaster@avalanche.ca

Snowpack Summary

Recent storm snow continues to settle and is gaining strength with time and warm temps. Wind slabs linger in lee terrain. Surface hoar buried in early November exists in the mid snowpack but due to a lack of data little is known about its reactivity and distribution. The October crust/facet interface buried near the base of the snowpack is still a concern. Surface hoar continues to develop at valley fog levels and in sheltered north aspects.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Wind slabs from the last storm cycle remain a concern in select terrain, continued warm temps will encourage bonding to lower layers

Be aware of the potential for wide propagations due to the presence of hard windslabs.>Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.>Watch for areas of hard wind slab in steep alpine features.>

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

The likelihood of triggering avalanches on this layer is decreasing but the consequence remains high.

Be aware of the potential for full depth avalanches due to deeply buried weak layers.>Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Loose Wet

Use caution on all solar aspects, especially late in the day. Wet sluffs may "step down" to weaker layers and trigger a larger event.

Avoid steep Southerly aspects.>Avoid sun exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet.>

Aspects: North, North East, East.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible - Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Nov 25th, 2013 2:00PM