Avalanche Forecast

Issued: Nov 25th, 2013 8:19AM

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

bcorrigan, Avalanche Canada

South Columbia.

Summary

Confidence

Poor - Due to the number and quality of field observations

Weather Forecast

A high pressure system will continue to dominate over southern BC with no precipitation expected through till Thursday. Warm temperatures aloft will gradually be replaced by more seasonal cooler conditions in the next few days.

Avalanche Summary

No 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 in sheltered north aspects.

Problems

Wind Slabs

Recent warm temperatures have contributed to settling and bonding. Use caution in wind loaded areas at treeline and above. The consequence of misjudging the danger could be severe.

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

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

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood

Possible

Expected Size

1 - 3

Persistent Slabs

A crust interface with sugary facets buried deep in the snowpack remains a concern. Be a detective, dig and identify weak layers before you commit.

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

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood

Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size

2 - 4

Valid until: Nov 26th, 2013 2:00PM