Avalanche forecast

South Columbia

Nov 27, 2018Avalanche Canada
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Archived · expired 8 years ago

Avalanche danger

Wed
Thu
Alpine
3 · Considerable
Treeline
3 · Considerable
Below
2 · Moderate
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Highlights

Avalanche hazard will increase through the storm. If snowfall amounts exceed 25 cm, avalanche hazard will be higher than indicated.

Avalanche problems

  • Persistent Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–3
    A buried crust and faceted snow exists at the base of the snowpack in the alpine. This weak layer has already produced large avalanches in alpine terrain and ridge top features.

  • Storm Slabs

    • Alpine
    • Treeline
    • Below treeline
    Likelihood
    Unlikely - Possible
    Size
    1–2.5
    5-15 cm snowfall through the day on Monday has increased the load on this layer now buried about 30-40 cm deep. Slabs may be more reactive in wind-exposed terrain and areas where recent snow has a weak bond with this layer.

Confidence

Low - Forecast snowfall amounts are uncertain

Weather Forecast

Snow forecasts identify the largest snowfall amounts occurring in the north and east of the South Columbia forecast region.MONDAY NIGHT: Flurries / Accumulation: 5-15 cm / Alpine temperature: High 0C / Moderate southwest ridge wind / Freezing level 1600mTUESDAY: Periods of snow / Accumulation: 5-20 cm / Alpine temperature: High -1C / Moderate southwest ridge wind / Freezing level 1500mWEDNESDAY: Cloudy with flurries / Accumulation: up to 10 cm / Alpine temperature: High -2C / Light to moderate southwest ridge wind / Freezing level 1400mTHURSDAY: Mainly cloudy with isolated flurries / Accumulation up to 5 cm / Alpine temperature: High -4C / Light southwest wind / Freezing level 1200m

Avalanche Summary

On Saturday, a large human triggered avalanche was reported on Meadow Mountain. The size 3 avalanche occurred on a steep, north aspect in the alpine and failed to ground, likely on a crust buried in October. Find the MIN report here.Earlier in the month, a natural avalanche cycle took place over the late October crust/facet combination. Be aware of the continued possibility for smaller avalanches to 'step down' or even initiate at this deeper layer. It exists primarily in the alpine.

Snowpack Summary

Snowfall through Monday afternoon has deposited 5-15 cm new snow around the region. Two layers, both consisting of a crust and weak surface hoar, are now buried down 30-40 cm and 45-60 cm respectively. Near the ground, sugary, faceted snow and crust buried late October supports the snowpack. The total snowpack depth varies from 110-160 cm in the alpine, with snowpack depth decreasing quickly with decreasing elevation.

Regions covered