Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 22nd, 2012 9:40AM

The alpine rating is below threshold, the treeline rating is below threshold, and the below treeline rating is below threshold. Known problems include Wind Slabs and Storm Slabs.

Avalanche Canada istorm, Avalanche Canada

This bulletin is based on limited data. Local variations in conditions are likely to exist. Check out the forecaster blog for further details on interpreting early season bulletins.

Summary

Confidence

Poor - Due to limited field observations for the entire period

Weather Forecast

Friday: A warm front is moving across the region friday which should leave some light to moderate precipitation in the form of snow in the mountains. The freezing level is supposed to rise to its highest point during the day to reach about 1500 m. The Westside of the region should see the most snow, in the 20 cm range. Winds are forecasted to blow moderately from the South West. Saturday and Sunday: The cold front following will bring cooler temperatures and we could see some light flurries throughout the weekend. Winds should also calm down and turn from the North West.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches were reported. If you and your friends have been out exploring and riding in the backcountry, and have some observations to share please send an email to forecaster@avalanche.ca.

Snowpack Summary

Snowpack observations and information are very limited, and conditions across the region vary. In the alpine, some winds slabs are expected to form on North and NorthEast aspects throughout Friday. We can expect that the windslabs will not bond right away with the layer below and that human activity may initiate avalanches.  A crust is found at lower elevations under this past week’s snow accumulations, however there is no information leading to think that it could act as a weak layer. However, be aware of instability signs such as whumphing, which is a good indicator of an unstable snowpack.   

Problems

Wind Slabs

An icon showing Wind Slabs
Winds slabs will most likely develop in size throughout the day friday on the lee side of alpine ridges and could stay touchy throughout the weekend.
Stay off recent wind loaded areas until the slope has had a chance to stabilize.>Use ridges or ribs to avoid pockets of wind loaded snow.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 5

Storm Slabs

An icon showing Storm Slabs
Storm slabs continue building and adding weight to the snowpack through friday night.
Watch for whumpfing, hollow sounds, shooting cracks or recent avalanches.>Early season hazards such as rocks, trees and stumps are still visible.>Make observations and assess conditions continually as you travel.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely - Very Likely

Expected Size

1 - 3

Valid until: Nov 23rd, 2012 2:00PM