Archived

Avalanche Forecast

Nov 9th, 2017–Nov 10th, 2017

Alpine

2: Moderate

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be moderate

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

Below Threshold

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold

Alpine

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

Below Threshold

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold

Alpine

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating in the alpine will be low

Treeline

1: Low

The avalanche danger rating at treeline will be low

Below Treeline

Below Threshold

The avalanche danger rating below treeline will be below threshold

Regions: Glacier.

Early season avalanches can be particularly nasty as rocks, deadfall, stumps are lurking just below the snow's surface. Even a small avalanche that pulls you over a cliff, into a terrain trap or crevasse would have high consequences!

Weather Forecast

Today we'll see a weak occluded front passing through Rogers Pass as a low-pressure system tries to battle its way onshore from the Pacific. The Freezing Level will rise to 1800m, we should see 5-10cm of new snow in the alpine and moderate winds from the SW. The next real precipitation isn't expected until next week.

Snowpack Summary

At TL in sheltered locations, we have approx 20-30cm of low-density snow overlying the Halloween crust. This crust sits on 50-70cm of rounds/mixed forms which cover the earlier October crusts and the snowpack is approx 90cm. The alpine was blown out by last week's strong Northerly winds, leaving behind a variety of challenging surface conditions.

Avalanche Summary

Yesterday two natural wind slab avalanches were observed in the HWY corridor off Mt Mcdonald on steep terrain to size 1.5. No other natural or rider triggered avalanches have been reported recently.

Confidence

Due to the number of field observations

Avalanche Problems

Wind Slabs

Last week's strong winds scoured the upper snowpack and or pressed the new snow into a unreactive wind slab. Watch for rising temperatures today and newly formed wind slabs this afternoon. A new mountain conditions update was also recently posted.

Avoid thin, rocky or unsupported slopes.Be careful with wind loaded pockets, especially near ridge crests and roll-overs.

Aspects: All aspects.

Elevations: Alpine.

Likelihood: Unlikely - Possible

Expected Size: 1 - 2