Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 26th, 2015 8:26AM

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 Loose Wet.

jlammers, Avalanche Canada

South Rockies.

Warming forecast for the next few days will increase the Avalanche Danger, especially at higher elevations. If you are out in the mountains, please post your observations to the MIN

Summary

Weather Forecast

The dry ridge of high pressure will persist throughout the forecast period bringing clear skies at higher elevations and cloud in the valleys. A layer of warm air aloft will develop on Friday and into the weekend with above-freezing temperatures expected above 1800m. Valley temperatures should remain below freezing. Ridgetop winds will remain mainly moderate from the northeast.

Avalanche Summary

No recent avalanches have been reported. With warming forecast for the next few days, I would expect loose wet avalanche activity on steep, sun-exposed slopes. If you are out in the mountains, please post your observations to the Mountain Information Network.

Snowpack Summary

Snowpack observations have been very limited as the season commences. Initial reports suggest that there is enough snow above around 1700m for avalanches to occur. Around 10cm of recent storm snow sits on a thick rain crust which exists to at least treeline elevation. In exposed terrain at higher elevations, new winds slabs are expected to have formed and may linger for a few days until temperatures warm up. The stiff underlying crust may increase the likelihood of triggering a wind slab avalanche.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent storm accumulations have likely been redistributed into fresh wind slabs at higher elevations. Due to the irregular loading pattern, watch for wind slabs in unsuspecting locations.

Be cautious as you transition into wind affected terrain. >If you are increasing your exposure to avalanche terrain, do it gradually as you gather information. >Avoid travelling in areas that have been reverse loaded by winds.>

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

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 2

Loose Wet

Unseasonably warm temperatures and sun will increase the chances of loose wet avalanche activity on steep, sun-exposed slopes in the alpine and at treeline.

Watch for clues, like sluffing off of cliffs, that the snowpack is warming up. >Avoid exposure to terrain traps where the consequences of a small avalanche could be serious.>

Aspects: North.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Likely

Expected Size

1 - 2

Valid until: Nov 27th, 2015 2:00PM