Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Nov 29th, 2014–Nov 30th, 2014

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be moderate

Below Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be low

Regions: Kootenay Boundary.

A Special Public Avalanche Warning is in effect.

Confidence

Poor - Due to the number of field observations

Weather Forecast

Sunday/Monday/ Tuesday: Very cold and dry. Mainly light winds.

Avalanche Summary

We've had no avalanche reports since the weather cooled down. During the previous warm, rainy period, a widespread loose wet and wet slab avalanche cycle to size 2 was observed in the south of the region. We had reports of whumpfing and collapsing at treeline in the north of the region.

Snowpack Summary

Around Kootenay Pass, rain moistened the snowpack to perhaps about 2000m on Thursday. It's expected that the snowpack in this region has now strengthened considerably. This region received 15 cm of storm snow on Friday night, which may have created pockets of wind slab or storm slab at upper elevations. Above about 2000m and in the north of the region, I have the most avalanche concerns. It's these areas which may be harbouring a weak layer (formed during November's dry spell), now buried with this week's accumulated snow. We have very limited field information. If you have been out in the mountains, we'd love to hear from you. Please email us at [email protected].

Avalanche Problems

Storm Slabs

Recent snow and wind may have created slabs on lee (downwind) slopes. In some parts of the region, it's possible that storm slabs overlie a deeper weak layer possible of creating a surprisingly large avalanche.

Be alert to conditions that change with elevation.>Avoid freshly wind loaded features.>Ride slopes one at a time and spot for your partners from safe locations.>Choose regroup spots that are out of avalanche terrain.>

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine, Treeline.

Likelihood: Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 3