Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 22nd, 2013 8:26AM

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

ali haeri, Parks Canada

Glacier.

Various reports of buried surface hoar at higher elevations and the evidence of large avalanches means potentially large consequences if this layer is triggered.

Summary

Weather Forecast

The interior will be under more of a north west flow but the high pressure system still remains over the province leaving us with no significant precipitation for the foreseeable future. Temperatures are forecast to rise through the weekend.

Snowpack Summary

Last week's storm snow is settling. The November 12th surface hoar layer is buried between 60 and 120cm. Its distribution is valley dependant. It had been observed up to 2500m on Mt Abbott in the Asulkan Valley possibly explaining the occurrence of large avalanches to size 3.5 running off the Dome.

Avalanche Summary

No new avalanches.

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations on Friday

Problems

Persistent Slabs

Buried surface hoar layer down between 60-120cm will have large consequences if triggered.

Dig down to find and test weak layers before committing to a line.Choose well supported terrain without convexities.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

2 - 3

Wind Slabs

Wind affect has been observed at higher elevations, and wind transport was visible yesterday off the ridge tops.

Assess start zones carefully and use safe travel techniques.Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain.

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 23rd, 2013 8:00AM